Rumors coming out left and right before the draft

Yes, like last year expect many trades before and during the draft. The proposed trade, as you most likely have seen on tsn.com or many other hockey websites, is Kessell to Toronto for Kaberle and the 7th pick overall. Word is that Burke will wait on this one until other offers arrive or until Bouwmeester is off the market. Expect something from that before tonight's draft.

Other players supposably being shopped around are Anahiem's J.S. Guguere and Chris Pronger. Some rumors are coming out about Pronger back to St. Louis, but nothing official has come out.

Vancouver has reportadly offered the Sedin twins two 12 year deals and are looking to give Loungo an extention as well.

Finally, the Senators have stated they have not gotten nearly a good enough offer for Heatley and Florida may trade the rights to Bouwmeester.

Player Profiles: Zack Kassian

The final player profile before the draft is of Zack Kassian, the forward from Peterborough. Kassian is a gritty player, and some say he actually goes to far out of his way for a big hit. Last season he scored 11 points in his first 10 games. His willingness to battle for the puck is one of the greatest in the draft. He uses his 6'3'' frame very well and could be a good fit for Edmonton or Buffalo.

Pos: RW
Ht:6'3''
Wt: 209 lbs.
Shoots: Right

Go to http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=106835 for his stats.

Player Profiles: Jared Cowen

Welcome to my new feature, Player Profiles. With the draft this friday I decided to start with a prospect. Jared Cowen is the dark horse of the draft. Hockey News states in their draft issue there is not a huge drop off between the Swedish defenseman Hedman and Cowen. Established as the second best defenseman in the draft, Cowen was the first overall pick in the 2006 WHL draft. He played only six games in his first season, scoring only two points and finishing with a +4 plus/minus. The 2007-2008 season was Cowens's first full season in the WHL, tallying 18 points (4 goals, 14 assists). He has been named Chiefs Rookie of the year, Western Conference Scholastic player of the year, and has been named to many under-18 and under-17 teams. Below is a brief summary.

Pos:D
Ht: 6'5''
Wt: 218 lbs.
Shoots: Left

YR Team GP G A Pts. PIM
06-07 Spokane 6 0 2 2 2
07-08 Spokane 68 4 14 18 62
08-09 Spokane 48 7 14 21 45
Totals 122 11 30 41 109

Draft this Friday, with no definite #1 pick

With only two days until the NHL draft, the choice of the New York Islanders is as unclear as ever. With names such as John Tavares, Victor Hedman, and Matt Duchene all floating around, it may be that we don't know who they will pick until it happens. Look for just as many trades as last year, as names like Heatley and Kessel on the open market and the Bruins looking to move up.

Coyotes trade Reinprecht, many signings

The first trade before the Free Agency period has happened. Steve Reinprecht, the 33 year old center, has been traded to the Florida Panthers for Stefan Meyer. Reinprecht scored 14 goals and 41 points last season for the Coyotes. After traded, Reinprecht signed a three year deal with the Panthers. Stefan Meyer on the other hand played 70 games for the Rochester Americans of the AHL last season, tallying 21 goals and 19 assists, totaling to 40 points. He played only 4 games in Florida scoring no points.

The Blues and Avalanche both signed players to extensions. Kieth Tkachuk will enjoy another season in a Blues uniform. The veteran center was inked to a one year deal. In other news, Colorado signed McLeod to a three year extension as well.

Stealth move to Everett, Washington

The San Jose Stealth became the first team to move in the NLL so far this off-season. June 15 was the deadline for teams to apply for relocation, and so far the Stealth are the only team movement to be announced. Other possible relocations could involve the New York Titans and the Portland Lumberjax.

As for Everett, the team will play in the Comcast Arena, which holds 8,300. Everett lies only 30 miles from the city of Seattle. The team's new name will be announced in the near future in a press conference. Some big name players involved in the move include Rhys Duch, Colin Doyle, and Jeff Zywicki.