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