Something Big On NHL Draft Day?...You Can Just Feel It

The NHL draft is Friday and the amount of buzz surrounding who the Islanders will pick with their #1 choice is absolutely baffling. This draft choice for them is so huge that the franchise's abliity to stay in Long Island depends on it. If the Islanders do not pick John Tavares as their man, the fans in Long Island are going to revolt, and in my eyes the owner will not hesitate to begin investigating relocation options for the team. The arena situation is enough of a reason to move the franchise, so this would be the icing on the cake. We'll see what Garth Snow does. I would be shocked if John Tavares is not the #1 draft pick. Only time will tell, but for now I'm finished typing about the Islanders, that's the most I've ever talked about them, other than when they play the Rangers.

All of Friday is going to be a very interesting day to follow hockey (and there's not even a game to be played). You just get the feeling that there are going to be some major splashes across the NHL. From draft picks being traded, to salaries being shed, to soon-to-be free agents being signed. There are some big time names out there, and many GMs are fishing for them. It is a matter of the best offers that will determine the winning bidders, and I think that is going to result in some trades that really open eyes. Hopefully the Rangers don't give up any of their core youth (cough...cough...Staal...cough). But Sather knows what he's doing, right?