Secrets will apparently be safe among NHL general managers.

The executives due to submit a protected roster in June are apparently collectively against releasing these lists to the public before the Vegas Golden Knights select their expansion team, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

This makes practical sense for the teams, which, at least for the time being, will keep players in the dark about their exposures, therefore avoiding the potential straining of relationships.

That said, if teams are allowed to keep the lists private, the NHL will miss out on a wonderful opportunity to foster interest, debate, and discussion in all 31 markets.

LeBrun didn't specify if the protected lists might be released after the fact - but it certainly won't stop reporters from digging up the names anyway.

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