As we are an hour and a half away from the draft, here are some thoughts on what I heard.

The obvious choice for No. 1 is Steven Stamkos, that announcement was indeed made by the Lightning.

Evgeni Malkin has rumored to have been offered $15 million in NHL money in Russia ($12.5 million tax free per-season). Malkin's agent, has told the Toronto Globe and Mail that the rumor is not true and that his client is not interested in going back to Russia.

Thrashers named their coach, John Anderson, three hours prior to the Draft.

And finally, Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli and the team will most likely stay put at No. 16, but, did make inquiries about possibly moving up.

Thats all I have for now. I'll be back later tonight with some day one thoughts, but for now I'm going to be on my way to the Bruins Draft Party. Hope to see you there.

Rosie

Nashville goaltender Dan Ellis has signed a multi-year deal to remain with the Predators. Ellis was key to the playoff run for the Preds in 2007-08.

This signing is a plus for Nashville with a limited amount of goaltenders available in free agency.

Backup goaltender Chris Mason has been moved to St. Louis for a fourth round draft pick. With that trade, Nashville now has nine draft picks.

With Mason gone expect Pekka Rinne, who started in 80 career AHL games, to be the backup in Nashville.

I'll be back later on in the day with some final pre-draft thoughts and I hope to see some of you at the Bruins Draft Party tonight.

Rosie

Hello again,

If you are looking for an opinion on the whole Rangers/MSG/NHL mess, all I have to say is I have nothing to say about this, as I watch a re-run of NHL Live on the NHL Network. I'm sure this will be another buzz in the Draft tomorrow.

The New England Hockey Journal is in Ottawa for the Draft and are making a couple of interesting speculations. One is their thinking of Marian Hossa possibly being traded to the Bruins, thus giving them exclusive rights to his contract.

Another speculation is Evgeni Malkin. Who knows if his days are done in Pittsburgh, but a couple of possibilities include trading a superstar or a couple of good, solid players and a draft pick.

Let me say as long as this draft, the Bruins look like they will be doing nothing. If Hossa were to come here, it will be on July 1. That's just how I see it, things could be different.

As far as Patrick Marleau goes, he could be on his way out of San Jose soon. Many people think Columbus is a good fit for him, and I would agree with that. If the Blue Jackets can get someone to play along with Rick Nash, Fredrik Modin, David Vyborny and Nikolai Zheredev, it could mean great things offensively for the Blue Jackets.

As far as tomorrow nights draft is concerned, I will be at DJ's at the Garden for the Bruins Draft Party. Hope to see some of you there.

Rosie

As I wait for the Celtics Parade to come right towards my office in Boston, I thought I would share a couple of pre-draft rumors.

First off, lets talk about the future of Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermeyer. The future hall-of-famer will be deciding on draft day, at least we think, that he will be making a decision whether he will retire or come back for one more year. This rumor has been buzzing for a couple of days and will be the talk of the draft.

Second off, I read a rumor today in The Toronto Sun that Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin could be shipped to the LA Kings for the No. 2 pick and Mike Cammalleri. Malkin has one more year left of his entery year deal, and if the Penguins indeed sign Marian Hossa, this would open up trade talks, especially with Malkin wanting a new contract.

Speaking of Hossa, his agent, Rich Winter spoke to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette saying that the rumors of a seven-year, $52 million are not true. However, this is still the Penguins priority.

I'll be back later on in the day for pre-draft thoughts, but until then keep it happening,

Rosie

Today, the NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of two NHL Franchises: the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Edmonton Oilers.

Daryl Katz will be the new owner in Edmonton while Tampa Bay has a group on investors.

We know what direction the Lightning are heading in, with Steven Stamkos being the No. 1 pick, and with Vincent Lecaviller and Martin St. Louis in the lineup, things are looking sunny in Tampa.

Don't know how things will shape up in Edmonton, it's a toss up right now, but hope for the best there.

I'll be back tomorrow with some pre-draft thoughts.

Until then, keep it happening,

Rosie