With only four days until the NHL Draft, talk is heating up about who will pick whom, and who will instead make trades. Meanwhile Kyle Dubas and Laurence Gilman have been busy bolstering the rosters of their minor league affiliates.

Marlies add a half-dozen players, proving an ATO can lead to a contract - Katya
They also found a centre the Habs passed over. [Species: LOLHABS!]

The signings and trades are only getting started before the draft which is on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

ICYMI
We’ve had some great draft coverage in the past 24 Hours. Make sure to check it out.

Bob McKenzie’s final 2018 NHL draft rankings are out; let’s look at no. 25 - Katya
There’s some falling stars and rockets charging up the list. And one Wilde choice at 25th.

2018 NHL draft rankings: June edition (#1-31) - Kevin Papetti
Who should the Maple Leafs pick at #25?

PPP weighs in on the NHL potential of the Marlies - Everyone
Is the entire team being promoted?

Other News

Trotz Resigns as Washington Capitals Coach - Japers’ Rink
Barry Trotz leaves Washington DC on top, but where will he go now, and who will replace him?

Lehkonen is proving to be a versatile player - Eyes On The Prize
He isn’t always flashy, but Artturi Lehkonen is becoming an invaluable asset for his club.

Q&A with Eyes on the Prize regarding Alex Galchenyuk - Five For Howling
John Chayka made the first big move of the offseason trading for Alex Galchenyuk. Take a look at the newest member of the Coyotes.

Dave Tippett brought in as advisor to Seattle expansion team group - The Seattle Times
Tippett has been hired as a senior advisor for the Tod Leiweke-run group bidding for an NHL expansion franchise. Nobody is ruling out that he will eventually become the squad’s first head coach.

Behind the Draft: Claude Ruel had a knack for finding top talent - Eyes On The Prize
A look at past Heads of Scouting, and their roles in drafting the next generation of Montreal Canadiens players.

What Makes a Team Great? - The Atlantic
Inside the wide-ranging search—led by economists and psychologists—for the elixir that turns good squads into great ones.

From The Branches