Draft Day 1

Thefourthperiod.com [one of the more credible rumor sites out there] is reporting that Olli Jokinen will be traded today before the first round of the NHL draft begins. They report suggests the key point in trading Jokinen is at least a first round draft pick, which Florida covets so that they may have a spot in the first round. Florida's 1st Round pick, which would have been 9th overall, was sent to the Nashville Predators as part of the Tomas Vokoun trade last summer.

Do not expect the Devils to be a player in Jokinen sweepstakes today unless GM Lou Lamoriello can convince the Panthers to take something other than a first round pick. First round picks are something that Lamoriello would love to horde like a squirrel to acorns. Lamoreillo has also told numerous media outlets that he would like to move up in the draft, and even would consider moving down for the right deal. A.K.A. - he'd do what any good GM would do on draft day. Again, don't count on the Devils landing Jokinen, the price tag is too high with no first round pick to work with on Florida's side.

Speaking of Tomas Vokoun, last night the Predators traded Chris Mason to St. Louis for a 4th round pick in this weekend's draft. This is the second time that the goaltender who started the season in net for the Predators has been shipped out the following summer. The move signals a full vote of confidence in Dan Ellis, who stepped up nicely when Mason showed his human side last season. The season prior, Mason platooned the Preds goaltending job with Vokoun and lead them to an incredible 51 win, 110 point season in only their 3rd season in the NHL. The Predators have not missed the playoffs since 2003-2004 [4 straight seasons], so there is some weight on Ellis' shoulders, but for a goalie who lead the league in save percentage last season and set the franchise record in shutouts with 6, it does not look like it will be a difficult task being the only go-to guy in net.

--2 PM Update--

Well here it is folks, my first Sabres post on the blog. Although it will come as no surprise to anyone in Buffalo, Max Afinogenov is being talked heavily by GM's at the NHL Draft in Ottawa. Hockeybuzz suggests that Washington and Chicago are the leading candidates. Now all you Buffalonians, do not get too excited when you read Chicago in there, because there is ZERO chance it will be for Calder winner Pat Kane, and that's an (e5). My guess is the deal will be centered around Patrick Sharp. The 26 year old center has a $3.9 million annual cap hit over the next 4 years [$15.9 mil/4 yr left on the current deal]. Max will be entering the final year of his contract, taking a cap hit of $3.5 million with him. If he goes to Washington, my guess is for prospects and picks. The move could also be an indicator that the Capitals are going to give up on re-signing Sergi Federov because the two have comparable contracts, but Max is 10 years younger and could still make an impact in a system that fits him. Could pairing up with Alex Ovechkin be that solution?

--5 PM EXCLUSIVE Update --

I have just received an exclusive tip from a Buffalo source about Maxim Afinogenov. The source has told me that the Sabres and the Florida Panthers are discussing a possible deal with Olli Jokinen being involved. My source has told me that the Sabres are offering Max and the 1st round, 26th overall pick in exchange for Jokinen and either prospects, picks, or both. the stumbling block right now is trying to figure out compensation for the extra $2 million plus in cap space that the Sabres will be taking on by acquiring Jokinen. Jokinen, 29, will be making $5.25 million next season and $5.5 million in 2009-2010, compared to Max's $3.5 million next season.

--7 PM Update--

Jokinen to Phoenix, Tanguay from Calgary to Montreal, Cammalleri from LA to Calgary