ST. PAUL -- For Wild General Manager Paul Fenton, the planning for expansion begins right now.
The NHL announced last week that Seattle would join the League as its 32nd franchise, beginning in time for the 2021-22 season. And while the Expansion Draft is still some 2 1/2 years away, the official announcement of a new team will have Fenton and his staff working overtime to begin preparation for the event.
Much will change with the Wild between now and then -- it always does when a new GM comes to town -- but that won't stop Fenton from looking at aspects of the process that could affect the club when that time comes.
Sleepless for Seattle? Fenton, Wild begin prep for NHL's 32nd team
Expansion Draft plans are already taking shape, but much will change between now and 2021
© Getty
© Getty