McDavid was not mentioned as protected or exempted in post #782.
Regarding Marc-Andre Fleury, he was left unprotected by the Penguins, after playing his entire career for the Penguins who made him the #1 overall pick in 2003. If that is not a message along the lines of "you are a washed up fucking has been, so thanks but don't let the door hit your ass on the way out to Vegas", then I don't know what it is. But before you guys start feeling sorry for him, don't. He will have the chance to start in Vegas, and mentor younger goalies. He has made his money and now he can kick back for the twilight of his career, 3 cup rings on his fingers, money in the bank, and plenty to do in Vegas when he is not playing hockey.