OTTAWA -- The draft is only a few hours away, so we're getting real close to crunch time. Will Olli stay or Olli go? We're going to find out soon.
Highlight of the day was getting lunch at the Ottawa Rib Festival. And the ribs weren't that good. So that tells you not much is going on. Oh, I bought a Diet Pepsi. That's one of today's highlights too.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz....
-- The first big trade of Friday comes out of St. Louis, with the Blues picking up goalie Chris Mason in exchange for a fourth round pick. Nashville has made its pick, signing Dan Ellis to a two-year deal to be the fulltime starter.
Mason, it should be noted, became the Preds starter at this time last year when Nashville traded Tomas Vokoun to the Panthers. Mason, formerly of the Panthers, played in 51 games last year. He struggled after a hot start, with Ellis picking up a lot of the load.
-- In no surprise, the Sens have put Ray Emery on waivers. If he doesn't get picked up by anyone else (he won't, not at $3.7 million for next season), then Ottawa will buy him out.
-- Big news that isn't hockey related: Canada's baseball team (not the Expos) have fired manager John Gibbons and replaced him with Cito Gaston -- the same manager the Jays fired despite him leading them to a pair of World Series championships. Always thought Cito got a raw deal and was surprised he never got another chance to manage. Good too see him back with the Jays.
-- Pal Ed Willes at the Vancouver Province wrote today that there are rumblings that the Sedin twins -- Henrik and Daniel -- could be available. Rumor is, that's the price JM wanted for Olli Jokinen back at the trade deadline and I'm sure he and the Canucks are talking as we speak. Read Ed's story right here.
-- John Anderson (not the country singer) officially named coach of the Atlanta Thrashers. He is on conference call at 3, speaking with us in Kanata at 5. Will likely have some more stuff. Now just waiting to see who the Lightning will hire.
Look at Anderson as a good coach for this young team. He's coached a lot of these guys with the AHL powerhouse Chicago Wolves.
Can't believe it's that quite...hear I thought everybody slept in or something. You have to believe there will be a flurry of activity soon...
Posted by: MN Hockey Guy | June 20, 2008 at 01:04 PM
To get both Sedins would require something more than Jokinen otherwise it wouldn't make sense for Vancouver. Olesz added on Florida side and draft pick added by Vancouver? Anyway, remember both Sedins will be UFA's at the end of the season.
Posted by: Georgia Panther | June 20, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Always hilarious GP, always...
Posted by: Holy Jokinen | June 20, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Thank You.
Posted by: Georgia Panther | June 20, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I read that Canucks GM wants to make the team gritty.
Jokinen/Anthony Stewart/Tanner Glass for Daniel & Henrik Sedin.
Posted by: Bo | June 20, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I'd take the Sedin Twins...Panthers would have a good, young forwards with them (still hoping Frolick and Mattahis make the team next year).
Posted by: MN Hockey Guy | June 20, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Thanks for the update. No need to tell us of your Diet Pepsi, especially when Diet Coke with Splenda is soooo much better.
I think JM wants to keep Olesz and rightfully so!
Any news on UFA Montador? BTW- Puck Daddy says that this draft isn't as deep as originally thought. This contradicts JM's opinion. What's the deal?
Posted by: EJ | June 20, 2008 at 03:56 PM