NHL draft 2019: Live updates, analysis of news, rumors from first round
The build-up to this weekend's NHL draft (8 p.m. ET, NBCSN) in Vancouver hasn't just been about Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko.
The Rangers have significantly improved their defense by trading for Jacob Trouba. The Flyers have made a pair of deals, one of which allowed them to sign Kevin Hayesbefore he hit free agency. Phil Kessel used his no-movement clause to a veto a trade that would have sent the Penguins star to the Wild.
With several teams facing a salary cap crunch, more trades could happen with all 31 teams in the same room.
WHAT TO KNOW: Everything to know about the NHL draft
2:33 p.m. Tyson Barrie rumor
Trade rumors have been surrounding Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie for a while, so it's not surprising that there's some buzz about him during draft weekend. Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now reports that the Canucks could be interested.
2:13 p.m. Where will top goalie go?
One of the interesting sidebars of the draft will be how early top goalie prospect Spencer Knight goes in the first round.
In recent years, teams seemed reluctant to pick goalies in the first round. None were selected in the first 31 picks last year and Jake Oettinger was selected 26th by the Stars in 2017.
But the American-born Knight, committed to play at Boston College, has a chance to become the goalie selected earliest since Jack Campbell went No. 10 to the Stars in 2010.
The best guess on Knight is that he would land somewhere between No. 12 and No. 19. USA TODAY Sports' mock draft has Knight headed to the Wild at No. 12. Some of the mock drafts have him going No. 13 to the Panthers or No. 17 to the Golden Knights.
In terms of potential, Knight is probably the most talked about goalie since Andrei Vasilevskiy in 2012. Vasilevskiy was selected 19th by the Lightning in 2012.
12:19 p.m. Sabres-Rangers match?
There have been rumors this offseason that the Sabres were interested in Jimmy Vesey, who was traded to the Sabres after being drafted by the Predators in 2012, though he never signed with either team. Vesey, 26, had 17 goals and 35 points last year. Alex Nylander, 21, was taken No. 8 overall by the Sabres in the 2016 draft. He has six points in 19 NHL games.
11:30 a.m. Teams that could be busy
Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said earlier this week that he had never heard as much trade talk as he has in the ramp up to tonight's NHL draft.
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Here are some of the teams that are more likely to make moves:
► Maple Leafs: The Maple Leafs have to clear cap space to make room to sign Mitch Marner, a restricted free agent. Jake Gardiner also may leave through free agency, which means they may need to add a puck-moving defenseman. Nikita Zaitsev is the most likely move, but Nazem Kadri, Kasperi Kapanen and Connor Brown are others that could be in play.
► Hurricanes: Teams are calling about the surplus on defense. The Hurricanes were thinking they would keep them all, but they could be tempted to trade one of their top four. Brett Pesce will draw the most interest because he is locked into a $4.025 million cap hit until 2024.
► Penguins: General manager Jim Rutherford is always aggressive in trying to upgrade his roster, and he is among the league's most skilled traders.
► Predators: The Preds are looking for a scorer to play on the second line and give their power play a boost.
► Sabres: Heavy pressure GM Jason Botterill to make the playoffs next season, and he probably will be looking to improve his defense and forward depth.
9:21 a.m. Who could be on the move
1. Right wing Kessel, Penguins: Does Kessel really want to stay with a team that tried to trade him? It’s possible that something could materialize in Vancouver.
2. Defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, Maple Leafs: Has asked management for a trade and several teams are interested. With Jake Gardiner a potential free agent, the Maple Leafs need to add a defenseman through this deal or another.
3. Left wing Jason Zucker, Wild: The Wild are looking to spice up their offense and are willing to move Zucker, 27, who has scored 54 goals over the past two seasons.
4. Left wing Jimmy Vesey, Rangers: General manager Jeff Gorton seems open-minded about moving several players, but Vesey’s name has been at the forefront of rumors. The Rangers are rebuilding, but they might also be shedding some contracts to make it easier to pursue a top free agent such as Artemi Panarin.
5. Left wing Nikolaj Ehlers, Jets: With Trouba traded and Tyler Myers possibly leaving through free agency, the Jets are willing to part with Ehlers to land a blue-chip defenseman. The Hurricanes are deep on defense.
6. Defenseman Colin Miller, Golden Knights: Vegas is experiencing some cap stress and needs to move out some contracts.
7. Defenseman P.K. Subban, Predators: The Predators might need to move a premium defenseman to improve their offense. But Subban’s $9 million cap hit makes him difficult to move.
8. Center Kyle Turris, Predators: When they acquired Turris, they thought they had solidified their second line. But that has not been the case. Trading Turris (seven goals, 23 points in 55 games) will be difficult unless the Predators are willing to eat some of his contract.
9. Defenseman Travis Hamonic, Flames: The Flames have depth on defense and he could be moved to bring in another difference-maker up front.
10. Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, Rangers: With Shattenkirk presumably not part of their future, the Rangers would love to trade him, even if they have to eat some of his $6.65 million contract. They might end up buying him out. He has two seasons remaining on his deal.
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