Columbus Blue Jackets Morning Links: Clarkson Not Expansion Draft Eligible

Oct 27, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing David Clarkson (23) plays the puck up the boards while being defended by New Jersey Devils left wing Mike Cammalleri (13) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing David Clarkson (23) plays the puck up the boards while being defended by New Jersey Devils left wing Mike Cammalleri (13) during the first period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL has made it official that David Clarkson will not be Expansion Draft eligible. This gives the Columbus Blue Jackets one more protected spot as Clarkson has a no move clause.

The Columbus Blue Jackets officially have one less player to protect. In what all were predicting would happen, David Clarkson has been officially exempt from the NHL Expansion Draft.

In a tweet from ESPN’s Craig Custance, Clarkson was one of many players with long term injuries and NMC listed as exempt. All others were in similar situations as Clarkson.

Clarkson has been suffering from a chronic back injury that has effectively ended his NHL career. He will be the head coach of a Columbus suburb high school hockey team next year. Clarkson’s story has been well documented by Union and Blue.

Related Story: Clarkson to Coach High School Hockey Team

The extra expansion protection spot was predicted and will not affect the Jackets strategy. They still will be hard pressed to protect Josh Anderson unless Scott Hartnell waives his NMC.

Drink your hot cup of Joe and read your links to get your day going!

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