Griffith Available, Brodie Protected For NHL Expansion Draft

Wallaceburg’s Seth Griffith could be handed a new opportunity this week as the forward was left exposed by the Toronto Maple Leafs for the upcoming NHL Expansion Draft.

The Vegas Golden Knights will announce their expansion draft selections June 21 as part of the NHL Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Griffith, 24, has been one of the AHL’s top scorers in recent seasons, but hasn’t produced at the same level during his NHL call ups.

In 58 career NHL games, split between the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins, Griffith has managed 6 goals and 16 points.

Last season in the AHL, Griffith had 44 points in 38 games, and added 9 points in 11 playoff contests. He was an AHL first team all-star in 2015-2016.

Dresden’s TJ Brodie was protected by his Calgary Flames, and has become one of the NHL’s premiere defensemen. Last season in 82 games, Brodie collected 36 points. He added 4 assists in 4 playoff games.

Former Blenheim Blades forward Matt Martin was protected by the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Tilbury’s Brandon Montour did not qualify for the NHL Expansion Draft as he was still considered a rookie.

Vegas has until Wednesday at 10am to submit a list of 30 players, one from each NHL team, including a minimum of 14 forwards, 9 defensemen, and 3 goalies. The Golden Knights will then announce their selections Wednesday at the NHL Awards at 8pm.