Draft Day Rumours/trades/picks

[rinswun 6]

I'll kick it off with Aucoin and his $4m/year for the next 2 heading to Mike Keenan and the Flames. Rumour has it the Chicago just want a bag of pucks in return, since Calgary only have 1 first rounder and no further picks til round 4, i imagine they'll give up a career minor leaguer or the rights to a later pick from the last couple of years. An early link here:Aucoin to Flames (TSN)Furthermore, here is a draft mock up, with a little commentary for each pick, of what i think will go down tonight. No pick trading has been accounted for (its a little long, apologies!):2007 1st Round Mock1. Chicago Blackhawks - Patrick KaneThe Blackhawks takes the player who has is emerged as just about the consensus number 1. Ideally for them he is a slick winger, blessed with incredible hands, who eventually will combine with Toews to produce many points. Not only will he post big numbers and increase Toews’ totals but Toews’ defensive awareness may well be enough to cover up any defensive deficiencies the Blackhawks may be worried about. The pick is well received by the Hawks faithful.2. Philadelphia Flyers - Kyle TurrisThe Flyers top brass flirt with the idea of taking Van Riemsdyke second but decide the long term upside of Turris is too great and pick him second overall. They see the small but skilful pivot as somewhat of a project, willing to give him the full 4 years in college to get upto around 195lbs and 6’1 when he makes the big show but have him pencilled in as their future #1 center. They love his game and the contrast he brings with Jeff Carter and Mike Richards down the middle, giving them a tremendous future roster capable of playing a number of styles. 3. Phoenix Coyotes - Jakob VoracekThe Yotes have a farm packed full of high risk, high rewards prospects such as Lisen, Kaigorodov and Wheeler so decide taking a safe, talented winger in the top 3 is a must. The man who is perhaps the safest pick in the top 5 is Halifax winger Voracek, who has good size, speed and skill and a strong desire to make the NHL. The great one hopes this good one combines with Peter Mueller to form a big, skilled, scoring line within 3 years.4. Los Angeles Kings - Karl AlznerThe Kings may well trade down here to try and pick up a couple of later picks in the hope someone is in love with a certain prospect, if they have no bites, however, they have no qualms about picking up solid blue-liner Alzner at the 4th spot. Alzner pans out to be a reliable, 15 year, top 4 d-man and the Kings hope he his no thrills style is the perfect foil for the prized Jack Johnson. Not overtly offensive, could find his attacking game under the tutelage of Rob Blake and Lube Vishnevski.5. Washington Capitals - Sam GagnerThe Capitals take a center with their first pick for the second time in as many years. Like the Flyers they briefly consider Van Riemsdyke but have him closely rated with Gagner and given their need for help down the middle they decide upon Kane set up man. McPhee is a fan of Gagner’s work on a line with an offensive dynamo like Kane and feels he can work well on a second line with Semin, providing the Capitals with a dangerous 1-2 punch with Ovechkin and Backstrom on the first unit. Gagner’s skating needs work but his passing is as good as anyone’s in the draft and the Capitals are more than happy to bring him on board.6. Edmonton Oilers - James Van RiemsdykeThe Oilers love that Van Riemsdyke falls to them as he offers the size that they lost when Ryan Smyth left for Long Island. The hulking winger gives the Oil a legitmate top line threat that may or not be the case with Robbie Schremp. Capable of playing to his size and tough to knock off the puck when he’s on his game, like Smyth JVR isn’t a fantastic skater but if he has half the impact the former captain had the Oil will have a great player on their hands.7. Columbus Blue Jackets - Keaton EllerbyThe Blue Jackets have glaring needs on the blue line and with the imminant arrival of highly touted but small puck mover Kris Russell, the need is for a large blue liner capable of partnering him. With Ellerby they get an intriguing package of size and speed, but with nagging questions over hockey sense it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be. Has all the tools and blessed with a frame around which to build an NHL body, the BJ’s will be hoping he shines rather than fades away.8. Boston Bruins - Angelo EspositoThe Bruins took former #1 prospect for the 2006 draft Phil Kessel with their 1st pick last year and this year they follow suit, taking the former ‘phenom’ Esposito at 8. Espo has all the tools, and despite reports to the contrary, a good attitude and willingness to learn which is very similar to the Kessel of this year. Bruins management think they reignite a surge in development plus they love seeing another guy named Esposito wearing the big B.9. St Louis Blues - Alexei CherapanovThe Blues end the enigmatic Russian’s slid down the draft board, and love that he fell to them. A top 3 talent with an NHL shot, Cherapanov has numerous question that lead to the team above passing up on him, top of the list being the lack of a Russian Transfer Agreement. Despite his obvious talent, the winger is seen as moody and at times disinterested, a factor the Blues will be looking to change providing they can smuggle him out of Avangard.10. Florida Panthers - Logan CoutureThe Panthers select walking medicine cabinet Logan Couture hoping the doctors will patch him up enough to eventually make it to the show within 3 years. The center was well touted coming into this year but had a stop start year with illness and injury, and despite that put up an impressive 78 points. His game isn’t all offensive however as he plays well in all 3 zones. Florida gets themselves a steal if Couture can stay healthy.11. Carolina Hurricanes - Kevin ShattenkirkThe Canes made a huge mistake last autumn trading away their future all star defenseman Jack Johnson for a burrito and coke. Having realised their error Canes management pick the premier offensive d-man in this year’s crop hoping Shattenkirk’s points on the point will make fans forget about the ill fated trade. That may not work but if they forget to sign Shattenkirk or accidentally waive him, they should have a player capable of putting up good numbers on their power play for a long time.12. Montreal Canadiens - Zach Hamill The Canadiens have a need for a defenseman but with two first round picks and no stand out d man left on board they decide to pick undersized Hamill, leading scorer in the WHL this year. Blessed with great hands and creativity, Hamill has questions surrounding his size and willingness to go into the places that count at the NHL level. The Habs however, have shown a willingness to draft guys with question-marks in the past and do so again with the dynamo from Everett.13. Toronto Maple Leafs - Lars EllerThe Leafs need help everywhere and take Eller, the Dane generally regarded as one of the most well rounded players in the draft. Fast, strong, skillfull, good size, Eller appears to be the whole package but bares the same wildcard that Anze Kopitar had coming into the draft, being from a non-traditional hockey country. Comparisions have been drawn between the two due to that facet and if Eller has the same impact, the Leafs may finally have someone to pin their future hopes on.14. Colorado Avalanche - Brett MacleanThe Avs continue to stockpile talented prospects with the addition of Maclean would rode the coattails of John Tavares to a 100 point season in the OHL. Big with a great shot and good strength, Maclean is a goal scorer, who some feel has been improved by playing with The Next One, but whom the Avs feel will be well suited to the NHL and a top 6 role. Skating is an issue but has time to develop that alongside a young Avs forward core.15. Edmonton Oilers - Nick PetreckiThe Oilers desperately need an offensive d-man but with all signs pointing to them acquiring that man in FA or via a trade, they decide to spend their second pick of the first round on the kid with the man’s body who brings the nasty streak missing since Pronger left for Anaheim. Petrecki is big and nasty, and whilst he may not be a huge point getter the performance of Ottawa’s Chris Phillips showed there is still a place for those guys in the NHL. Questions have been asked about the defenseman’s hockey sense which is no doubt an area the Oilers will be looking to focus on.16. Anaheim Ducks -Thomas HickeyThe Ducks are massively top heavy in their defensive corp and Chris Pronger and Nieds can’t last forever. The current prospects on the blue line are primarily stay at home guys so the Ducks take confident offensive d-man Thomas Hickey with their 1st rounder. Ryan McDonagh is highly touted but as yet his offensive potential hasn’t shone through and the Ducks are confident Hickey will be a future pp QB once the big two retire or leave. Typical Duck, very clever and very quick, the Ducks are confident Hickey will be the ying to Mitera’s yang a few years down the line.17. NY Rangers - Mikael BacklundThe Rangers are pleased to select the guy they see as the long term replacement for Michael Nylander. Like Nylander, Backlund is Swedish, smart and shows good leadership. Backlund was formally touted as a top 5 pick but saw his stock fall due to injury and a stall in his development but the Rangers will look to bring him over as soon as possible to mould his development in their own way. The Blueshirts have chosen defensemen with their first pick in the last two drafts and decide to draft the forward to augment their forward prospects.18. Calgary Flames - Bill SweattThe Flames have just 1 pick in the first four rounds of this year’s draft, so it would be no surprise to see them trade the 18th overall for a couple more picks to a team looking to secure someone’s rights in the spot. If they don’t make the move however, the Flames decide to pick the probably the safest prospect left on board in Colorado College’s Bill Sweatt. Blessed with blazing speed and an outstanding work ethic Sweatt is considered a lock to make the NHL by the Flames, in what role remains to be seen.19. Minnesota Wild - Ryan McDonaghThe Wild can’t believe their luck when Minnesotan High School player of the year McDonagh falls into their lap. Being a local boy, the Wild know all about the young d-man and are shocked noone has moved for him before now as many regard him as being the best potential blue liner amongst this year’s crop. Steady, clever and very good in his own zone McDonagh projects as a potential top pairing guy for the Wild down the line, providing his can find his offensive game. Wild fans are ecstatic.20. Pittsburgh Penguins - Sergei KorostinThe Pens go somewhat off the board in drafting Korostin at 20 overall. The Russian is a typical product of his national system, blessed with amazing hands and unbelievable offensive talent but with questions surrounding his motivation and drive, he also has a reputation of being somewhat selfish. The Pens hope that by combining the winger with fellow Russian Evgeni Malkin, the fears over his mentality will be unfounded and they’ll have themselves another offensive diamond.21. Phoenix Coyotes - John BlumThe Coyotes take a defenseman with their second pick, settling for skinny but skilful Blum. Despite concerns over his size, the Yotes pick Blum on the back of a good memorial cup run, where he displayed his intelligence and good breakout pass. Blum needs time to develop further but could eventually wind up in the Phoenix top 4.22. Montreal Canadiens - Alex PlanteThe Habs pick the huge blue liner with the supreme offensive skills with their second pick in 2007. Looking like they may lose Souray, Plante would be the perfect replacement eventually as he has a great shot and is outstanding with the man advantage. Scouts are worried by his skating and no doubt the Habs will be working on that to get him up to NHL level. They look forward to seeing him on the point within 5 years however.23. Nashville Predators - Maxim MayorovThe Predators acquired back their own 1st rounder yesterday and with it decide to take the talented Russian out of Leninogorsk. Big, hard-working and not short of skills the Preds like that Mayorov brings non-typical Russian intensity to the table, even back checking strongly. They hope he will eventually pan out as a 2nd liner, if not a good 3rd liner.24. St Louis Blues - Ian ColeThe Blues love the big defender, who plays a very steady, solid game. Directly opposite to their first selection, Cole seems to be a pretty safe bet to make the NHL as at least a good 3rd pairing guy. Similarly to the Blues star prospect Erik Johnson, Cole learnt his trade playing for the US Hockey Development team who preach sound fundamentals and is yet another solid American defensive prospect coming through in the draft this year.25. Vancouver Canucks - David PerronThe Nucks pick point-machine Perron, the first overager taken in 2007. Has great hands and can finish as well as the best prospects this year, potentially an ideal candidate for riding shotgun with the Sedins…if he can keep up. Scouts have big concerns over his skating and the way he plays on the outside. The Nucks have a sketchy history when drafting players so don’t be surprised if Perron ends up a bust.26. St Louis Blues - Brandon SutterThe Blues select the guy with the great bloodlines with their second selection in three picks, and third overall of the first round. Sutter has hockey sense in spades and brings his A game every night. Not necessarily the most talented prospect in the draft but possesses a willingness to do what it takes to win and has the size that the Blue have liked historically. Interesting to see how his career pans out in relation to his famous family.27. Detroit Red Wings - Oscar MollerThe Red Wings select the small Swede with the big heart with their first selection in 2007. Playing for the expansion Chilliwack Bruins, Moller was given a lot of opportunities to play in different situations a factor that can only helps his draft stock. Small but works very hard and is solid both defensively and offensively, the Wings continue to stock their Swede Army with Moller, who’s biggest negative is his size and the speed that he doesn’t possess.28. Washington Capitals - Mark KaticThe Caps are building a young team of slick skaters and slick puck handlers and need help on d, Katic answers all three of these facets. Widely regarded as the best skater in the draft, Katic will be a top 4 defenceman, qb’ing the pp in Washington so long as he doesn’t get pounded into an early retirement due to his diminutive size. Has a ton of heart and is really coachable, the Caps hope he becomes the puck moving defensemen they have needed since Gonchar left the capital.29. Ottawa Senators - Colton GillesThe Sens pick a prototypical Senator at 29, with center Gilles. Gilles is big, strong and very quick but is not ideal suited to center so the Sens may well move him to wing, or back to the blueline where he started out on his road to the NHL. Scouts worry about his hockey sense and offensive abilities so don’t expect to see Gilles taking up a sport on the Sens top two lines, 3rd line seems to be his NHL home.30. Edmonton Oilers - Jim O’BrienThe Oilers round out the first round picking O’Brien, the big center from Minnesota. O’Brien has left scouts scratching their heads all year as he possesses great skills and size and has top 6 potential but hasn’t really put it together this season. Scouts are concerned about an iffy looking skating stride but the Oilers figure, his potential upside is too much to pass up with their 3rd 1st rounder.

[ajs510 122]

One trade rumor I'd really like to see happen is Brad Richards to Philly for the #2 overall pick and Joni Pitkanen. Anything involving Richards being a #1 or #2 scoring option again (either by being traded or seeing Vinny Cavs or Marty go somewhere else) would be awesome for the Lost Cause in the long run.Great writeup Ollie, I'll be having a few cocktails tonight and watching the draft with great interest. Mostly to see who manages to drop into Buffalo's lap at #31, I'm still hoping that Oscar Moller falls to them, but he'll probably get scooped a couple picks before the end of the night as you projected.

[ajs510 122]

Good call with the Aucoin trade, it just got announced:To Calgary - Adrian AucoinTo Chicago - Andrei ZyuzinNow I have to figure out if I want to keep him or not, since I already have Brad Stuart on the Flames.Jay Feaster has categorically denied that Brad Richards is on the block, but he is trying to bring in a 1st line winger that will be able to play with him. Whatever, I just need some more offense out of the kid next year. <grin>

[rinswun 6]

i cant see them moving richards, after all they brought in jan hlavac just to play with the guy! lol ;)i wouldnt be surprised to see boston and minny exchange fernandez and a lower pick for the 8th, and i could see montreal moving up to secure espo, maybe even trading with the wild if they do acquire the 8th. i am looking forward to seeing what goes down.

[Jason12 0]

I can't see Van Riemsdyke falling all the way to Edmonton, I think he'll go at #3 and Voracek will go at #6. Im hoping the Leafs take Baklund at #13.

[rinswun 6]

that could well happen, personally i dont like what i have seen of van riemsdyke (albeit limited) all that much, i prefer voracek but its likely jvr could well go top 3, maybe even second.

[ajs510 122]

i cant see them moving richards, after all they brought in jan hlavac just to play with the guy! lol ;)i wouldnt be surprised to see boston and minny exchange fernandez and a lower pick for the 8th, and i could see montreal moving up to secure espo, maybe even trading with the wild if they do acquire the 8th. i am looking forward to seeing what goes down.

I think Boston will stick with Thomas and Toivonen with Rask on his way up, personally. Those two can handle netminding duties in the short-term, and Boston is very high on Rask in the long term. I see Boston sticking with the 8 spot and taking Espo there. Fernandez's possibilities as far as a trade are pretty limited, the only teams I can think of that really need a #1 goalie are Florida, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tampa. The Lightning have the biggest need but they're in salary hell, so any dealing would have to involve a major salary dump (and/or getting rid of Marc Denis who's costing them nearly $3mill next season no matter what). If I had to guess, I'd say that Phoenix is the most likely spot for Fernandez to land, but I seriously doubt that the 'Yotes would part with the 3rd overall for a 32yo goalie. There's options for teams needing a goalie too (Bryzgalov and Toskala will likely be traded, Robert Esche is a UFA, same with David Aebsicher), so its really a buyers market.

[rinswun 6]

i think fernandez would be the perfect 2 year filler guy for the bruins with taylor as his backup, before rask gets to the big show. i think toivenen may have ruined his chances with a poor show last year.

[ajs510 122]

i think fernandez would be the perfect 2 year filler guy for the bruins with taylor as his backup, before rask gets to the big show. i think toivenen may have ruined his chances with a poor show last year.

Boston can't afford a $4.75mill goalie though, their cap hit for next season is already flirting with $40mill and they only have 16 guys signed. Chara, Savard and Bergeron really pounded their cap situation hard, $17mill just for those 3.If nothing else, Thomas and Toivonen are signed through next season for less than $1.75mill combined, and Rask should be flirting with the starting job next season (08-09).

[Jason12 0]

Leafs deal for Toskalahttp://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/R...ortsHockey/home

[Windbreaker 0]

San Jose trades Toskala and Mark Bell to the Leafs for 1st round (13th overall), 2nd round pick this year, and 4th round pick in 2009.

[Jason12 0]

Alot to give up for Toskala, they just had JFJ on the radio and he sounded like he was going to keep Raycroft aswell. Unless JFJ can get back into the 1st round with Raycroft this is a bad move.

[ajs510 122]

Wow, I really thought Toronto would ride Raycroft into the ground, good for them. About the last thing I expected to hear today, that's for sure. Nice work Mr. Ferguson. I think Mark Bell sees a resurgence in his career in Toronto, anyone?

[Jason12 0]

Wow, I really thought Toronto would ride Raycroft into the ground, good for them. About the last thing I expected to hear today, that's for sure. Nice work Mr. Ferguson. I think Mark Bell sees a resurgence in his career in Toronto, anyone?

I really hope so.

[Zach6668 513]

Toskala > Raycroft

[ajs510 122]

Toskala > Raycroft

I don't think you're gonna get anyone to dispute that. <grin>

[ajs510 122]

So who are we thinking San Jose likes at #13 overall? Personally I think Thomas Hickey and Nick Petrecki's stock just went up a couple points.

[Jason12 0]

I don't think you're gonna get anyone to dispute that. <grin>

That is true but is Toskala, Bell > Raycroft 1st, 2nd, 4th round picks.

[sinc 0]

Huh that is so cheap for a potential star goalie and a under-achiever with talent. This is the first good deal ive seen the leafs make in years. Kudos to them, I really would have thought toskala would have got more considering the desperate need for top flight goalies around the league. I'm thinking Anaheim isn't happy about it, sure seems like they won't get much for Bryzgalov at this rate.

[ajs510 122]

Huh that is so cheap for a potential star goalie and a under-achiever with talent. This is the first good deal ive seen the leafs make in years. Kudos to them, I really would have thought toskala would have got more considering the desperate need for top flight goalies around the league. I'm thinking Anaheim isn't happy about it, sure seems like they won't get much for Bryzgalov at this rate.

I'm kinda surprised that SJ traded Toskala at all, I would have thought Nabby would be the odd man out there. Mark Bell is a better player than his experience in California would indicate, he needs a fresh start pretty badly. I think Toronto is a good fit for him, and Toskala can definitely give Toronto a big league backstop. This should be the start of a trip back to the playoffs for Toronto.

[sinc 0]

Mark Bell has been underachieving long before California. Hes been widely critisized for being one of the laziest and most uninterested guys going. His talent level has always been above average though, or else he wouldn't be in the league anymore at all. Hes like Chris Gratton, all the tools in the world but only seems to show flashes of it for 10-15 games a year which is enough to keep people interested in him. The leafs definetly made a solid step in the right direction today, will be interesting to see how toskala does as a #1.

[Jason12 0]

Rumour has it Toronto is trying to trade a defencemen to get back into the draft. (Somebody please take Kubina)

[ajs510 122]

Rumour has it Toronto is trying to trade a defencemen to get back into the draft. (Somebody please take Kubina)

I've heard that Toronto is negotiating Bryan McCabe for exclusive rights to Ryan Smyth from the Isles. Wouldn't get them a 1st rounder though, the Isles don't have one. Phoenix, Washington, St. Louis, Montreal and Edmonton all have multiple 1st rounders, if Toronto is shopping a defenseman then I'd expect to see Washington get in the mix with the #28 overall. Toronto probably wants to get back to where they were before (or higher) though, so that's going to take something better than a vastly overpriced Kubina. Carolina's #11 pick can probably be had for McCabe if Toronto is getting something more than just a single pick out of the deal, they need defensive help in a big way.

[Jason12 0]

As much as I like McCabe and Kubina, if we can trade one or both of them to get back in the draft/get rid of their contracts/get someone to play with Sundin that would be great.

[digitalmonkey 929]

There is talk that the Bruins and Minnesota are talking about a Fernandez-Axelsson deal.I don't think Toskela is a "star" goalie as someone said. The 1st round pick that the Leafs gave up is not necessarily this years. If the player San Jose wants is not available at #13 then they can choose to take Toronto's 2008 1st pick instead (unless it's a top 10 pick). I think Montreal is definitely after a d-man via trade or free agency. I was convinced they'd really go after Preissing but the Aucoin trade may mean Stuart will be available and he'll probably come cheaper than Souray.I think Montreal is looking to move up to around 7th in the draft. A deal (Ryder, Zherdev, etc...) could happen soon.I predict Mark Bell gets 41 points in 2007-08.I think the Coyotes may take a chance on Raycroft if they can't get Vokoun.Also, I think Dallas is interested in either McCabe or Kubina.