Draft Day in Ottawa

The sun finally came out today... just in time for opening round set for 7pm eastern time from Scotia Bank Place.

A lot of media generated fodder about trades and teams trying to move up in the draft to get a player they really like. I'm more of a spectator to all of that. I'm not here to get scoops on who the Senators are going to give up in order to get a better draft position. I'll just let the big boys fight it out.

I took in the Top Prospects Luncheon yesterday. Here's some pics:

Welcome to the Steven Stamkos circus. He will go #1 unless someone throws the world at Tampa Bay General Manager Jay Feaster before Tampa gets to the podium.

Everett Silvertips Kyle Beach fields questions... mostly about his reputation and his attitude. He's known as the wildcard for the 1st round. Give Beach credit, he handled all the questions and was pretty witty. We love that stuff. '

Lethbridge Hurricanes dynamic forward Zach Boychuk fields some questions. He could go top 10 tonight.

6'7 Kelowna Rockets d-man Tyler Myers is drawing some interest. The Q and A thing isn't really his thing but the big defenseman could also see himself in the top 10 in a very defenseman heavy draft.

Luke Schenn was probably the best at handling the questions. Comfortable, quotable. He's been great the last few days and will be a high pick. Toronto is rumoured to really like Schenn and is trying to trade up to get him. He's referred to as the most NHL ready of the bunch.

The entire Schenn family was there including younger brother Brayden of the Brandon Wheat Kings. I'm not sure if many of the media folk knew a top five pick for 2009 was sitting in the room behind all the lights and cameras. It has to be a great experience for him. He's seeing what the landscape will look like next year when he's the one taking center stage. The Schenn family is sure enjoying it. They will go through it all again next year.

I'll make my way over to Scotia Bank Place by about 4:30pm for the 7pm start. I have to test my equipment and make sure we're good to go for the action. I just want to get it started. The next two days will be actioned packed.

More later,

Jon