How will expansion impact legacy "albatross" contracts

[Gogie]

I just had a thought (I know, it doesn't happen often but it does once in awhile). When the NHL adds two expansion teams I'm sure we'll see a few players such as Bryan Bickell and Andy MacDonald being drafted by the new teams, freeing up cap space for their old teams. I wouldn't be surprised to see some wheeling and dealing done to convince the expansion teams to take on a few of these contracts - such as, "I'll give you so and so (a cheap but serviceable player) if you draft Joe Albatross". Could make for some interesting discussions between the old and the new teams. I bet certain teams are already planning for this.

Edit - It was thanks to blny's thread about Bryan Bickell that got me thinking about this, so I can't take full credit for my "thought".

[BadCompany]

I'm sure it will be a legitimate strategy,especially if teams are willing to throw in draft picks, but how many of those contracts will there be by the time expansion drafts are held? If last summer is any indication teams are now a little more aware of the dangers of these big contracts, so I don't know if there will be that many "new" ones to trade, and the ones that there are now will be reduced with each passing year. Bickell's I believe ends after next season, so unless they are going to shot-gun new teams into the league he won't be of consideration. Of course there will still be some (Lecavalier!) but I don't know if there will be that many.