The 2008 NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa created the usual “buzz” in and around the hockey world. Coupled with the July 1st free agent frenzy that is just around the corner, the stories and speculation about players are just starting to heat up.

 

As a result of this excitement, I have selected 10 recent hockey decisions which are followed by a commentary or as many refer to as my “words of wisdom”:

 

Fact: The Vancouver Canucks selected Brampton centre Cody Hodgson with their first pick, 10th overall in the Entry draft.

Comment: Canucks GM Mike Gillis chose the conservative route in taking Hodgson over Kyle Beach (Everett Silvertips) who, in turn, was selected immediately after in the 11th spot by Chicago. Gillis said Hodgson has "character, integrity and intelligence". Beach also has character as in "issues". Beach, the 6-foot-3, moody power forward, may have more upside, but when drafting in the first round there is no need to gamble. This appears to be a wise move but the Hodgson-Beach comparisons have started, and will be heard for years to come.

Fact: The Canucks name Dave Gagner as Director of Player Development, replacing Stan Smyl, who becomes the team's Director of Collegiate Scouting.

Comment: This is a “slap in the face” to the "Steamer" as Mike Gillis rewards a former client, who spent the past two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the OHL's London Knights. Gagner doesn’t exactly possess great credentials to take over this role. Smyl, on the other hand, deserved better as
he took yet another demotion, despite Gillis’ positive spin.

Fact: The Montreal Canadiens traded its first round pick (25th overall) to the Calgary Flames for forward Alex Tanguay. (The Flames then used that selection to take Windsor centre Greg Nemisz)

Comment: This is another example of why Bob Gainey is one of the top executives in the NHL. The Habs have a lot of young forwards; by adding an experienced frontline player like Tanguay to the mix will help in the much needed goal scoring department.

Fact: The Florida Panthers traded Ollie Jokinen to the Phoenix Coyotes for defencemen Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton plus the 49th overall pick.

Comment: Are you kidding me? Is that all the Panthers could get for a legitimate sniper (111 goals in the last 3 seasons)? This may result in Florida's second worst trade of all time. I don't think you need reminding of the Roberto Luongo heist to Vancouver.

 

Fact: The Nashville Predators dealt ex-Cougar goalie Chris Mason to the St Louis Blues for a
fourth-round pick (111th overall).

Comment: It's too bad for the likable 32-year-old Mason, who will have to settle for second string status to Manny Legace. Mason, from Red Deer, had his opportunity to start with the Predators, but unless an injury arises, he will likely end his NHL career as a back-up.

 

Fact: The first round of the NHL entry draft lasted approximately four hours.

Comment: Absolutely ridiculous. Rounds two to seven (the following day) barely took 4 hours. I am all for hype and interviews, but three hours should be the maximum.

Fact: The Toronto Maple Leafs selected Kelowna Rockets defenceman Luke Schenn with their
first pick, 5th overall.

Comment: Yes, Schenn will likely be very good, but to listen to the TSN commentators you would think the Leafs struck gold and Schenn is going to be the next Chris Pronger. It's very irritating listening to the Toronto cheerleading squad. Is this what you call objective reporting? I guess this is just another reason why not to join the Leafs Booster Club.

 

Fact: 37 WHL players were selected in the NHL Entry draft including nine first round picks.

Comment: However, not as impressive as the OHL, who had 11 of the 30 first round picks, including the top four; and seven overall in the top 10.

 

Fact: Goalie Dustin Tokarski of the Spokane Chiefs was selected in round five of the draft, 122nd overall to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Comment: Excuse me. I know he is small, but did any of the scouts really pay attention to the WHL playoffs or more importantly the Memorial Cup, where Tokarski was chosen MVP. Tampa may have got the bargain of the draft.

Fact: The Prince George Cougars were shutout with not one player picked in the NHL draft.

Comment: Well, at least no one can say a Cougar went higher than expected.

 

“NHL draft prospect Joe Colborne has a unique problem in that his dad is the chairman of an oil and gas company which means he has the option of playing for a team or buying it.” Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

“Chad Johnson had minor ankle surgery, but should be ready for training camp. One thing in his favor--the Bengals are experts at monitoring ankles.” Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“Michael Vick's younger brother Marcus was arrested Friday for DUI and eluding police. Considering they caught him, I'd say he's got a pretty solid defence against the latter charge.” Vancouver comic Torben Rolfsen (www.theprovince.com/liveat5)

 

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

 

 “NBA players who pound their chests after making a shot should be required to put their hands
around their throats when they miss a wide-open shot. Fair is fair.” Bob Molinaro, of the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot

“The NBA Finals were the most watched program in the month of June. The final game was a 39 point blowout by Boston which was watched by 16.9 Million people, including most of the Lakers.” Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)

 

“In many ways, it was a half of two quarters.” 
BBC soccer commentator Gary Lineker, giving his best Yogi Berra impression during halftime of Euro 2008 game between co-host Austria and Croatia.