National Hockey League news: June 21, 2008

June 21, 2008

At the in, ' long-anticipated selection first overall by the  may have been overshadowed by numerous trades and signings made on the draft floor.

Before even the first pick was made, the had acquired  in a three-way trade. Calgary's pick, 17th overall was traded with the ' pick, 28th overall, to the. The Kings received the Ducks' pick, 12th overall. Later, the Flames shipped forward and fifth-round pick to the  for the 25th overall selection and a 2009 second-round pick.

The also made a major trade at the draft, moving their captain,  to the  for two defencemen,  and   as well as the 49th overall selection. The made a major trade of their own, picking up  and the 119th pick overall from the  in exchange for the 19th and 67th picks, overall.

Out of the first 30 picks in the draft, 17 had been traded around between teams. The first round was rich in defencemen; out of thirty players picked, half were defencemen. After Stamkos was picked first overall, the next four picks,, , , and were all blueliners.

The hosts,, also made numerous moves. The Senators traded up to the 15th pick overall to draft. Earlier in the day, the had also resigned to a four-year, $8.5 million contract extension. Previously, the Senators also waived goaltender. Emery could be bought out as early as today.

The NHL free-agency season starts July 1.