NHL Draftapalooza 2009

At last…the 2009 NHL draft day is finally upon us. I went to bed early last night so that today would come sooner!

I’ll make my way to TJ’s at about 6-is or so and have had thoughts of updating from there as well…although that could prove difficult if I’m just having too good of a time.

However, as we wait for all the fun to begin…let me start the morning off with a question or two for you.

What team do you think will most likely be the first to trade their way up in the draft order? Me…I’ve got my eye on the Toronto Maple Leafs. I just think Brain Burke wants to make a major splash tonight…and he’d just love to get John Taveres into a Leafs jersey.

Also, what about Atlanta’s pair of picks in the second round. How likely is it that Waddell/Dudley use one of them…along with a current player…to land a top-four blueliner or a top-six forward? If I’m a betting man, I would wager that they will try and do just that.

Update – June 26 7:45 am: Per Chris Vivlamore…the Thrashers are eying centers at tonight’s draft.

Update – June 26 8:55am: I keep hearing stories of Brian Burke admitting that there has been an offer made that includes dealing Kaberle in order to move up from the 7th spot. But he’s denying Atlanta is that team…although he has spoken with Waddell about a possible deal.

Also…I heard on HTM that 25,000 fans are expected at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum. WOW!

Update – June 26 1:35 pm: TSN is reporting that the salary cap will be going up by $100,000.

Update – June 26 8:00 pm: In case you haven’t heard … Don didn’t screw up and he did indeed pick Evander Kane!!!!

Update – June 26 11:40 pm: Just got back in from TJ’s…what an absolutely great draft party…so many people there! It was such a pleasure meeting all the readers who came out for the first time! More in th morning…I’m pooped!

Upadte – June 27 10:45 am: The Thrashers’ second-round pick is Carl Klinsberg, a 6′-3″ 205 pound left-winger from Sweden.

Update – June 27 11:15 am: With their second pick in the second round, (45th overall), Atlanta takes Jeremy Morin, a 6′-1″ 189 pound left winger who has played with team USA’s u-18 squad. He’s from Auburn, NY.

Update – June 27 11:30 am: The Thrashers have traded their 4th round, (95th overall), pick to L.A.

Update June 27 11:51 am: In the 4th round…first with 117th pick, Atlanta get’s a goalie…Edward Pasqual of Saginaw’s OHL team. Then with the 120th overall pick, Atlanta selects Ben Chairot of the Ontario League’s Guelph. He’s a 6′-2″ 211 pound defender.

Update June 27 12:03 pm: The Thrasher take another defender with their 5th-round pick, (125th overall). 6′-4″, 215 pound Cody Sol. He’s a teammate of Pasqual, the netminder we took in the 4th round.

Update June 27 12:34 pm: The 6th round pick by Atlanta is Jimmy Bubnick…a 6′-2″ 194-pound centerman who plays with Kamloop Blazers  of the WHL.

Update June 27 12:50 pm: The Florida Panthers traded the negotiating rights for Jay Bouwmeester to the Calgary Flames for  Jordan Leopold, a UFA, and a 2009 third-round draft pick…with the pick the Panthers chose right wing Josh Birkholz.

Update June 27 1:09 pm: With the 4th selection of the 7th round…185th overall…Levko Koper was the choice of the Thrashers. He’s a six-foot, 180-pound left wing from Edmonton, AB who is playing with Spokan of the WHL. The Thrashers also have the 22nd pick of this round.

Update June 27 1:37 pm: And with the 203rd and final pick for Atlanta, Don Waddell has chosen another left winger…Jordan Samuels-Thomas out of Hartford, CT. He’s 6′-3″, 198 pounds and plays for Waterloo of the USHL.