NHL Draft Buzz

This is a big weekend for the NHL, as general managers all meet to select the future of their franchises or make moves to impact the current roster. How can you not be overwhelmed with joy upon hearing your GM call out the name of some 18 year-old kid that could be the next big thing, or in a couple of years be taking your order at the local Tim Hortons. So, now to my Hat Trick. This week I change it up to the three most underrated story lines not getting the publicity surrounding this weekend’s draft.


1) The Ducks Defense: At the trade deadline, the Ducks traded some offense for defense knowing full well they had some major decisions to make on their once feared backline. Most of the decisions hinge on if captain Scott Niedermayer’s to play a 17th season or ride into the sunset and check into Springfield Retirement Castle with Grandpa Simpson. Most experts predict if Nierdmayer returns it will ultimately cause the Ducks to move Pronger because of the cap. This move would not only be the best defenseman changing teams this off-season (sorry JayBo), but it would also allow the Ducks to finally trade for either some much needed scoring depth or young defensive prospects. Needless to say, this one decision could affect a lot of teams' plans.

2) Lightning Down: This team has gone from perennial Stanley Cup contender to joke of the league as quickly as Lindsay Lohan went from child actress to teen junkie. This organization has as many problems as the Lohan clan too! They have owners fighting so badly that the boys have to be called to the principal’s office, gave out ridiculous contracts last off-season, and have a number one goalie with concussion problems. Screw Jillian the Bachelorette, this team should have a reality show. Oh, and did I mention that Vincent Lecavalier, with his $85 million contract, is at the center of the feuding millionaires. Like Pronger, if this dynamic, young and locked up franchise player becomes available he will be the best forward off-season move. We already saw what Mr. Hossa could do on a new team.

3) Free Agent Frenzy: Ok, enough about trades and crazy owners (looking at you Mr. Balsillie) Let’s look at the one free agent, not named Hossa or Bouwmeester, that could impact a team tremendously next season. Maybe this pick is because of what Michael Ryder did in Boston once he escaped the pressure of Montreal, but I like what a team would be getting with signing Alex Tanguay. This former first round pick and Stanley Cup champion has scored 20 or more goals in 5 of the 9 seasons he has played. As a skilled forward he has compiled 41 points in an injury plagued 50 games showing that, when healthy, he can produce on a top line. The statement “when healthy” also will allow a team to sign him to an incentive laden contract which will help from a salary cap perspective.