NHL Draft wrap-up

The NHL Entry Draft completed and several interesting tidbits to take away from Minneapolis.

The Ryan Smyth to Edmonton trade was finally completed but Gilbert Brule was nixed. Colin Fraser and a 7th round draft choice for a 300 goal career scorer. I wonder why the Kings felt Smyth had nothing left in the tank. I think this is a clear salary dump by L.A. and Edmonton gains it's heroic own son. Many hockey fans will remember the teary eyed presser that Smyth had several years ago when he was traded to the Islanders.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy92_kO1Pjw

So the Oilers inject a reasonably priced goal scorer and leader to a mix of young players. Should be interesting in Edmonton next season.

The Calgary Flames were finally able to get some salary relief by trading rugged blue-liner Robyn Regehr to Buffalo for defenseman Chris Butler and diminutive centerman Paul Byron. Regehr is a solid upgrade for Buffalo and will bring some leadership to the Buffalo defense...a top end partner for Tyler Myers.

The Blackhawks rid themselves of the really spendy Brian Campbell and his 7+ million dollar per season cap hit. Really not much else to say about it. The Panthers landed a solid top pair defenseman.