The annual entry draft has become something of a secondary trade deadline as clubs seek to shed salary and garner picks prior to making their selections. This year I expect there to be some frenetic activity due to the purported depth of talent.
And so, without further ado:
- St. Louis acquires the usurped Chris Mason from Nashville. Mason was the revelation that allowed the Preds to deal Vokoun last summer...a revelation that quickly turned into a regret when he proved incapable of handling the starters job last season. He signed a shiny new $3M/year contract that was starting look like a miserable burden, so it's no surprise he's been dealt. For the Blues, I assume they want Mason to push Legace.
- Toronto acquires Jamal Mayers from the Blues for a 3rd rounder. I always liked Mayers when I've seen him play, so not sure what the justification for this move is from a St. Louis perspective. As for the Leafs, they expunged Kilger and Belak last Feb so maybe they're looking to add some muscle.
- Three other guys I expect to be traded today: Olli Jokinen, Patrick Marleau and Jarret Stoll.
- Last night, Pierre McGuire had the Flames taking Joe Colborne in his mock draft. *puke*
- Dan Ellis has been signed to a two year, 3.5M contract while Ray Emery has been put on waivers (no surprises here). Ellis is a bit of a gamble, a la Chris Mason (ironically) but he did put up stellar numbers last year. Emery, on the other hand, is a pariah and I don't expect anyone to claim him. Chances are he'll be bought out.
- Some news on this supposed "Malkin to the KHL" rumor. I really don't see this happening.
- The Flyers back-up the truck for pending RFA Jeff Carter. I like what I've seen from Carter in the past and I think he'll probably live up to the 5M/year figure in the near future.
Philadelphia is in quite the cap-pickle as a result of this new contract, however. Look for them to dump some contracts (Hartnell or Upshall) and "encourage" Hatcher to retire this summer.
- Well, Sutter's off and running before the first pick drops. He flips the Flames first rounder to LA for Cammelleri. As usual, no one saw it coming. I have no in depth take on the deal yet, as Im too stunned.
- The running rumor now is that Tanguay is going to Montreal for the Habs 25th choice overall. Personally, I hate that move (how is Cammy worth a 17th, but Tangs is worth a 25th?), but it hasn't been made official yet. If true, I hope there's more to that.
- and now, in a stunning move, Florida deals Jokinen to Phoenix for Ballard+Boyton+49th pick!! Im stunned that that's all they could get for Jokinen (Ballards good, but otherwise that's trash).
- Word comes down - Tanguay and the Flames 5th rounder go to Montreal for the Habs 25th pick this year and their 2nd rounder next season.
I think that's awful an swap, but clearly Sutter is dumping salary. Still - ugh - the Flames are a worse club today than they were yesterday.
- NYI deals the 5th overall to the Leafs for their 7th overall. Meh.
- CLB deals the 19th overall and a 3rd rounder for RJ Umberger and a 4th. That's right...Umberger got a higher pick than Tanguay. Ugh.
- The Islanders trade down again, swapping the 7th for the 9th with Nashville. They also get a 2nd or 3rd rounder in the process.
- LA swaps the 12th for Buffalos 13th and their 3rd rounder in 2009. Odd move by Buffalo, unless they were certain LAK were going to take their player (Myers).
- Nashville trades the 15th pick to Ottawa for #18 and a 2009 3rd rounder. Murray also announces the extension of Chris Kelly (4 years, 2M+ per year). Not too shabby.
- Lou Lam deals pick #21 to WAS for 23 and 54. Nice move for both teams, particularly the Caps who had three 2nd rounders.
- The Oil picks Jordan Eberle @ 22. Seems like a decent choice at that point in the draft.
- Jersey moves down again, swapping picks with Minny (23 for 24) and a 3rd rounder.
- And of course, Tedenby goes at 24 to NJ. Fuckfuckfuck.
- Flames take Greg Nemisz at 25. I've heard good things, but am fairly unfamiliar. Apparently big, hard to move and not a very good skater. Add another center to the pile.
- And there goes Ennis at 26. I managed to guess the players that would be drafted around the Flames.
- Philly picks up Eminger from WAS for the 26th pick. The Flyers add to their defense and cap issues.
- Phoenix picks up Anaheims #28 pick for a couple 2nd rounders. Coyotes have been surprisingly aggressive today.
- That's about it for the first round. I'll log in with my thoughts on the Flames and the latter round stuff tomorrow or Sunday.
