(UPDATE 10:22 PM)- Sens take Matt Puempel at 24th
(UPDATE 10:08 PM) Ottawa will pick again at #24
(UPDATE 9:57 PM) With the 21st pick, the Sens take Stefan Noesen. Has comparisons to Corey Perry. Murray really seems to like the guy.
(UPDATE 7:59 PM)- With the 6th overall selection in the NHL Entry Draft, the Ottawa Senators select Mika Zibanejad. A little bit surprised to see him go this high but they liked him. And like I said so many time, Couturier was just not a player they liked. Ottawa is still looking at a few options with the 21st pick but it is definitely in play.
(UPDATE 5:42 PM)- According to Ian Mendes, Murray is still saying that the team will stay at the 6th spot. That doesn’t mean they won’t keep trying. If the team does move up, and they want to, it will be a last minute phone call to get it done. Gaborik rumours have been dismissed by most by Oshie still seems like a possibility.
(UPDATE 3:14 PM)- The Sens are still actively trying to move up in the draft. Was told a little earlier that the price has come down a little bit but not to the point where they can make a deal. As I mentioned in the comment section, Ottawa has had discussions regarding a Top 6 forward. Gaborik and Oshie are the names rumoured right now. Just rumours though
Pretty early on in the NHL season it became clear that the Ottawa Senators were not going to be a playoff team in 2010/2011. And since that realization, fans of the Sens have been looking forward to this day. Later tonight, in Minnesota, the NHL will hold its Annual Entry Draft.
It’s a draft that some are calling the biggest in the history of the Ottawa Senators franchise.
With still so many possibilities in play, today figures to be an extremely busy one for the Bryan Murray and the rest of his staff. They spent the majority of yesterday finalizing lists and trying to prepare themselves for any scenario that may be tossed their way.
That preparation will certainly be important with so many scenarios still being discussed. Five teams are scheduled to pick before the Sens step up to microphone and I don’t think anyone can say for certain what any of those clubs have planned. That’s what is going to make today so entertaining.
Here are a few rumours/news/updates heading into today…
- The Sens are trying to move up. The price is too high now but the team is hopeful that price will come down on Draft Day and possibly on the draft floor. Still think the primary target is the 3rd overall pick but that’s only if Gabriel Landeskog is still on the board. Was told that as of this morning, the team still believes they have a shot to move up.
- The 21st overall selection is definitely in play. I would be shocked if the Sens actually made that pick. There are a few scenarios that could play out- They could use it to move up their selection earlier in the round, they could use it in a deal for a roster player, or they could try to move that pick up using one or more of their other picks.
- I have been asked about this one countless times and yes, I have heard some buzz about the Sens being interested in TJ Oshie. Travis Yost has been on this one for awhile now and there is apparently something to it. Although at this point, I was told nothing is close.
- A player the Sens like (currently ranked 12th by TSN) is Barrie Colts centre Mark Scheifele. They would likely have to move up with their second 1st rounder if they want to grab him.
- The price to move up is high. Tim Murray mentioned yesterday that one team had asked for Erik Karlsson plus the 6th overall. That team is believed to be the Edmonton Oilers. Can’t help but wonder if that means the Oilers are looking at a defenceman with that pick.
I will continue to update the blog as I get updates. Enjoy Draft Day everyone!
