The NLL has released the list of protected rosters ahead of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs expansion draft set for July 7. Each franchise had until today, June 23, at 12pm ET to submit their protected roster.
Each franchise was eligible to protect five (5) offensive + five (5) defensive + one (1) goalie OR four (4) offensive + seven (7) defensive + one (1) goalie. If a team chooses not to protect a goalie, teams shall protect five (5) offensive + six (6) defensive OR four (4) offensive + eight (8) defensive players. There is a special exemption for the Panther City Lacrosse Club as a first-year team that missed the playoffs. They are permitted to protect 13 players, including a maximum of 6 forwards and one goalie.
Shawn Williams as Head Coach/GM for the Desert Dogs will be eligible to select one player from each of the other 14 franchises of the remaining players who were not protected. No team will lose more than one player.
Fans may wonder why specific players were left unprotected. If a player is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA), Las Vegas may select the player but would either have to come to an agreement with that player prior to August 1 or use their franchise tag to secure the player to their roster. Players who turn 34 by December 31, 2022 can reject the franchise tag. If no agreement is reached, those selected players who are eligible for free agency may enter into free agency on August 1 and sign with any team across the NLL. For a full list of UFAs and restricted free agents (RFAs) click here.
Players below with a (*) are UFAs, players with a (^) are UFAs who can reject the franchise tag.
