Quick hits throughout the day today...

* I just talked to an NHL Exec who said that the Islanders are planning more for their draft party of 17,000+ than drafting one of the BIG 3. "The Isles may also announce at the draft that they have acquired the negotiation rights of the Sedins to that crowd."

Just a quick note. Listening to XM yesterday, Top Isles beat writer Greg Logan also spoke of how in his opinion the Islanders will indeed draft Matt Duchene. I consider Logan, Botta and Gallof, Rosenblatt, Karl, the top five Isles writers out there...Logan saying this is VERY significant.

So a quick poll.

2 questions..

1. WHO WOULD YOU TAKE #1?
2. PREDICT WHO THE ISLES WILL TAKE

My answers are the same. Tavares.


* CHECK OUT THE LATEST RUMORS AS UPDATED ON THE RUMOR CHART:

Quick Update.

The following information is from sources...

* Sources are confirming at this hour that the Leafs will be playing in Calgary a doubleheader game to following the Winter Classic in Boston.

* Ryan Smyth has several teams who are very interested in him should the Avalanche decide to move him and a return to Edmonton is NOT out of the question. Other teams with interest include, Minnesota and Phoenix.

* The Flyers are attempting to pull of a MAJOR trade that has the rumour mill buzzing and the trade could come as early as this weekend. The trade would free up space for the acquisition of Jay Bo's rights

* The weekend before the draft has become a very busy one for trying to trade for rights.

* There is more and more evidence that the Predators and Lightning may hook up in a deal that would land Tavares in Nashville.

* The Penguins have serious interest in the Kings D Jack Johnson who was a former teammate and friend of Sidney Crosby. The Canadiens are also SERIOUSLY interested in Johnson.

* Robert Esche looks to be returning to the NHL this coming season in either Philly or Buffalo.


more to come...