2009 NHL Draft

OK, there's lots of things coming up very soon in the NHL. The draft this Friday, the free agency deadline next week and of course, the auction for who's going to gain control of the Phoenix Coyotes.

Now, I believe the Islanders will take John Tavares 1st overall. If they don't, they'll become a laughing stock of the NHL(along with Gary Bettman. Geez, I can't just leave the poor guy alone!) Of course, Brian Burke has been known to have more than a few tricks up his sleeve.

The free agent market. With so many teams in need of rebuilding, I'm going to break down Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto.

Ottawa is having enough problems with Dany Heatley. "Heater" has become a real pain in the ass. Face it, he's done with the team and rightfully so. The fans don't want it and the team doesn't need any distractions. Cory Clouston has to prove himself. He's a good coach and this year we'll see a tougher more meaner Ottawa unit. My prediction is this will be Jason Spezza's final year with club and somehow, some way, might end up with Hemsky. Plus, there's some mighty faces in the free agent market such as Bowmeester hmmn?

Montreal is getting a face lift. Kovalev will be out but expect Tanguay to stay. Jacques Martin will bring the French pride back into La Belle Province. Stanley Cup Champions 2011 Nice ring to that,eh? Oh, and what about the Sedin twins???

Toronto to Burke to Wilson=2010 Eastern Conference Finals

Last week's poll winner was Mike Bossey as the greatest player of all time. Surprising, but not really considering that he only played ten years.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8445611

Keep your stick on the ice, eh.

---Mark