William Carrier was one of the Sabres’ biggest surprises last season. ©2017, Hickling Images, Olean Times Herald

Sabres leave big salaries unprotected for expansion draft

BUFFALO – As expected, the Sabres have left underachieving, high-priced veterans Zach Bogosian and Matt Moulson unprotected for Wednesday’s NHL Expansion Draft.

But they also left winger William Carrier, perhaps the Sabres’ biggest surprise as a rookie last season, unprotected for the Vegas Golden Knights, according to a list the league released this morning. Could that move be a side deal general manager Jason Botterill worked out with counterpart George McPhee to lay off unprotected goalie Linus Ullmark? Stay tuned.

The Sabres protected $4.6 million winger Tyler Ennis, who has struggled for two seasons battling injuries, and defenseman Nathan Beaulieu, who was acquired Saturday from the Montreal Canadiens. Perhaps the Sabres believe the speedy Ennis, a three-time 20-goal scorer, can thrive again under new coach Phil Housley.

Bogosian, a defenseman, is set to earn $5.5 million next season and Moulson, a winger, is set earn $5 million.

Every team will lose one player. The Sabres protected seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie.

Here’s the full list from the NHL:

Available

Carrier (F)

Nick Deslauriers (F)

Brian Gionta (F)

Derek Grant (F)

Justin Kea (F)

Moulson (F)

Cal O’Reilly (F)

Cole Schneider (F)

Brady Austin (D)

Mathew Bodie (D)

Bogosian (D)

Justin Falk (D)

Taylor Fedun (D)

Cody Franson (D)

Josh Gorges (D)

Dmitry Kulikov (D)

Anders Nilsson (G)

Ullmark (G)

Protected

Ennis (F)

Marcus Foligno (F)

Zemgus Girgensons (F)

Evander Kane (F)

Johan Larsson (F)

Ryan O’Reilly (F)

Kyle Okposo (F)

Nathan Beaulieu (D)

Jake McCabe (D)

Rasmus Ristolainen (D)

Robin Lehner (G)

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