The NHL Draft is tonight! Well, at least the first round. The Draft is in Vancouver this year, so, naturally, it was scheduled to start at the normal time expected by viewers in Toronto: 8:00 p.m. EDT. We’re just more important over here.

The Maple Leafs don’t have a first round pick this year. At least not yet! Better tune in to find out if Kyle pulls off a huge trade. Or not. Because that’s so not going to happen.

We will have full coverage all day Saturday of every single pick or trade with some instant analysis where possible.

ICYMI
Here’s what we wrote about yesterday.

The NHL decided to revamp their rules for next season to give you more of the fast paced hockey action you love most: Coach’s Challenges!

Gary Bettman announces new rules for next season - Hardev
I hope you like Coach’s Challenges, because there will be a lot more Coach’s Challenges!

Report has Kyle Dubas saying to the other GMs: Call me, maybe - Katya
And he’s listening on some players we don’t want traded.

Kyle Dubas answers some burning trade-related questions - Katya
Funny, but no one wanted to know his thoughts on draft picks all that much.

Other News

It sounds like the executive management of Rogers has ordered Sportsnet to slash payroll, and even the big names aren’t going to be spared this time. Bob McCown was the first to publicly announce his departure. Today’s edition of the iconic Prime Time Sports radio show will be his last. Other recognisable names are expected to be told either today, or in the very near future, that they have been let go.

Sportsnet Prepares for Massive Layoffs – Toronto Sports Media Blog
"There is a list of possible names from all platforms circulating but we have decided not to publish it here until the changes are announced or confirmed by the parties themselves. The only name we will confirm at this time is Bob McCown."

Revoke NHL General Managers’ voting privileges for the Vezina Trophy - Anaheim Calling
Time and time again, NHL executives have proven that they cannot be entrusted with awarding the trophy for best goaltending.

Marleau wants to return to San Jose, but is it feasible? - Fear The Fin
The Sharks are now more cap-strapped than ever between Erik Karlsson’s $11.5 million cap hit and news that the league’s salary cap may fall below the initial estimate of $83 million to around $81.5-$82 million.

Callahan diagnosed with degenerative back disease - Raw Charge
The Lightning would possibly have had to give up an asset to move the last year of Ryan Callahan’s contract, as $5.8 million is more in line with a top six winger than it is a fourth liner. Now they can put him on LTIR.

Hossa should have won Selke Trophy as a winger - Second City Hockey
Mark Stone came in second in the Selke voting this season, but the award should have gone to Marian Hossa long ago.

Today is also the Summer Solstice. Here in Toronto the sunrise will be at 5:37 a.m. and the sunset is at 9:03 p.m. Enjoy the longest day of the year, folks. Summer officially begins at 11:54 a.m.!

From The Branches