Stauber, Watters, Hardy Among Kings Exposed to Expansion Draft

While NHL general managers made 11 trades before the deadline to set protected lists Sunday, the Kings stood pat, choosing to protect goalie Kelly Hrudey and expose Robb Stauber to the expansion draft that will stock the Mighty Ducks and Florida Panthers.

Stauber, viewed as the Kings’ goalie of the future, was 15-8-4 with a 3.84 goals-against average this season. But because only six goalies will be drafted, exposing him might prove a decent gamble.

The Kings also left defensemen Tim Watters and Mark Hardy unprotected, among others.

Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira said he wasn’t surprised by the trade activity.

“Realistically, I didn’t get my hopes up too high about who would be around,” he said. “(General managers) were determined to be creative.”

Other goalies expected to be available--the complete list is being released today--include Vancouver’s John Vanbiesbrouck, traded from the Rangers on Sunday, and Kay Whitmore; Toronto’s Daren Puppa, St. Louis’ Guy Hebert and the Islanders’ Glenn Healy.