- James Murphy of NESN: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has said he’ll select either Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin with the 2nd overall pick, and he may work at getting another high pick in the draft. The Bruins also own the 15th, 32nd and 45th picks. They like Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley, but those 2 should be selected in the 3-6 range. The Bruins could package some of their extra picks, and a prospect/player to move up and grab one of them.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson will be meeting with 4 or 5 potential draft picks for individual workout and more interviews over the next couple weeks. The Jackets have the 4th overall pick. They’ll be looking at enough players that would allow to be prepared if they dropped back a few slots in the draft. Though the rumor of Kaberle for the 4th pick is a fair trade according to Portzline, and would immediately help the Jackets, it may not make much sense for them as Kaberle is a free agent after next season. I think they if a team is going to make a solid offer to the Maple Leafs for Kaberle, they’ll want to sure they have a legitimate chance to re-sign him. I doubt Columbus is near the top of teams Kaberle would want to sign long term for.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames are without a 1st and 2nd round pick this year (have two 3rds and two 4th round pick), and Sutter doesn’t expect to actively pursue additional picks. To get a 1st round, Sutter says “I’d say impossible unless you’re going to trade a top player, and I don’t think we’re going to do that.”
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Montreal Canadiens will have less input at this year’s draft as 6 scouts won’t be given a new contract.