Well, there was some Draft Day excitement as far as trades. The Coyotes get Olli Jokinen for Ballard and Boynton. I think Gretzky is giving up too much for Jokinen. Cammalleri goes to the Flames, he could be dangerous with Jarome. Will be something to look for next year. Tanguay goes to Montreal. Montreal also landed Mats Sundin if he will waive his no-trade clause. Chris Mason is in St. Louis next year. Manny isnt getting any younger and I can see Mason splitting time with him. R.J. Umberger in Columbus. I see Hitchcock finding an effective role for this guy and success with the Jackets.
Ottawa traded up a few spots to get Swedish defenseman Erik Karlsson in the first round. Projected to be an offensive defenseman to run the powerplay, but doesn't have an NHL body yet. I'm not a huge fan of trading up, but it at least shows some confidence and conviction in your scouting, which is good; or at least gives a good impression that you know what you are doing. We won't know for 2-3 years.
Ottawa also, re-signed UFA Chris Kelly, 4-years $8.5MM. Kelly has superior hockey smarts, is great on the PK, solid work ethic but maybe lacks upper end finishing skill. So, $2-million/year is a lot for a role player, but the guy could only get better. He has worked hard just to make the NHL, that work ethic is what separates him from most players. I'm glad to see him on the roster. PK and checking line was horrible when late last season when he was out with an injury.
Kings got Drew Doughty with the second overall pick. This draft featured a lot of high-end defensemen and Drew is supposed to be one of them. I hope he turns out. The Kings really need young defensive help.
Wings got a goalie, Thomas McCollum with the 30th pick. I guess Jimmy Howard is NHL ready and should split time with Ozzie next year. McCollum replenishes the farm team with a goalie. BTW. Keep note of Jesper Samuelsson. Who's that? Detroit's 7th round pick. Even though he's the 211th pick, the Wings always have some late round guys that turn out to be diamonds. You heard it here first.
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