It really is starting to feel like a trade deadline from the 90s more than a draft from 2015. There is so much to get to and I expect from this point forward we will see multiple updates/additions to my current blog.
Start here...
On Arizona's #3 pick....
Gotta love Maloney! The guy is not just a great GM who has flourished in a far less than ideal scenario, but he also just "gets it." He is not afraid to talk and help his case, all the while adding to the drama. Last night he came out and said he had a few offers for the third pick overall that gave him pause to consider it...
I have spent much of today searching for where those deals could be coming from and I have found four teams...
#1.Tampa
I firmly believe that Tampa will not hesitate to move Jonathan Drouin, and Arizona loves him. If he is included into the deal you really could have something. Drouin is crazy talented and reminds my a lot of Martin St. Louis...but like St. Louis he may need to go somewhere else to thrive. Drouin with Domi is a hell of a start....
#2. Boston
The Bruins are taking calls on Lucic. There is no rush to deal him, but they are also taking calls on "significant other players.." and I was told last night they are talking to Arizona.
#3. Toronto
The Leafs want to move up, but more so would love to own two picks in the top 5. I have talked before about their discussions with Carolina...and the rest of the media picked up on it. Those talks aren't dead, but the Leafs covet Strome above all else...
#4. The NY Islanders
The Isles would love to corner the market on Stromes as well. Garth could put Okposo and more into the deal. That would give Arizona a bona fide goal scorer who can step right in and help them.
On Lucic...
As I said, no rush to sign him, but I continue to hear a LOT of interest in Lucic from the two Alberta teams. Edmonton (e4) and Calgary (e3) are being very proactive I am told...
On Skinner....
I have heard for a few years now that Dean Lombardi would love to grab Jeff Skinner from Carolina....according to three sources now those talks are once again hot and heavy. Stay tuned here...could happen sooner than later.
On Winnik...
The Penguins need to keep wingers, but I am told the Sabres and Leafs are both targeting Winnik. Even last year, when Winnik was dealt out of Toronto, I was hearing he could very much be returning...
We will discuss all this and more on today's Buzzcast. Live at 1pm ET. If you have any questions for the show, feel free to post them in the comment thread below.
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