Any talk of the Penguins protecting defensemen Mark Friedman, acquired via waivers last season, is not accurate as Friedman is exempt from the expansion draft and does not qualify toward protection limits. Notable Eligible defenseman to be protected include Kris Letang who must be protected due to his NMC, Brian Dumoulin, Mike Matheson, Marcus Pettersson, Chad Ruhwedel and Cody Ceci, a pending UFA.