The San Jose Sharks made a statement in a big way today, acquiring the number two defenseman they have long been looking for.

Brent Burns, a standout 26 year old offensive defenseman from the Minnesota Wild, was acquired in exchange for Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, and a first round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The former first round pick scored 17 goals and 29 assists last season and will be immediately slotted onto the first power play unit alongside Dan Boyle.

Burns has one year remaining on a contract that will count for $3.5 MM against the cap next season-- next offseason he will be an unrestricted free agent. Reports that contract talks had stalled with Minnesota contributed to the trade today of course, along with the fact that the Wild will receive two promising offensive talents in Setoguchi and Coyle as they attempt to shore up their depth on the forward front.

There is no doubt that San Jose is a better team today than they were yesterday, despite the high price being paid for a player that only has a year remaining on his contract. The Sharks greatest need this offseason was a number two defenseman, and Burns fulfills that need beyond any shadow of a doubt.

More to come later tonight.

With two earth-shattering trades completed yesterday, expectations are high for the NHL Draft. As is the norm around this time of year, there are rumors and speculation flying at a rampant pace indicating Player X is being looked at by Team Y, and Team Z is looking to move up in the draft in order to acquire a promising prospect they covet.

Here is a rundown of the moves and speculation over the last twenty four hours. We will update this as news breaks.

• Philadelphia trades Mike Richards to Los Angeles in exchange for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, and a 2012 second round draft pick.
• Philadelphia trades Jeff Carter to Columbus in exchange for Jakub Voracek, a 2011 first round pick, and a 2011 third round pick.
• Colorado trades John Michael Liles to Toronto in exchange for a 2012 second round draft pick.
• Robyn Regehr has, for the time being, denied a trade to the Buffalo Sabres. Numerous teams are interested in his services, with Darren Dreger stating yesterday that the San Jose Sharks are involved in talks.
• Los Angeles trades Ryan Smyth to Edmonton in exchange for Gilbert Brule and a fourth round pick [link].
• Chicago trades Troy Brouwer to Washington in exchange for their 2011 first round pick.
  

Will the Sharks hold on to their first round selection tonight? Do they make a trade to acquire a number two defenseman? Is there a deal brewing out there that will blow your socks off?

Tune in tonight on Versus to find out.

Every year our hockey network runs a mock draft where the managing editors go through the process of selecting players who will be present at the NHL Draft this year. Last season we selected Tyler Toffoli with the 28th pick in the Draft (he went 47th to the Los Angeles Kings)-- this year, with a blessing from Miss Cleo already secured, we're confident that our selection of Boone Jenner from the Oshawa Generals will be a good one. In fact, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him go earlier in the first round.

Jenner is a 6'2 196 pound center who has already added some notable achievements to his career thus far. Along with being named to the OHL's All Rookie Team in 2009-2010, Jenner captained Team Canada Ontario to a silver medal in the 2010 World 17U's and played in the 2011 CHL Top Prospects Game with Team Orr.

Central Scouting ranks Jenner as the 18th best North American skater in the Draft this year, solidified with his seven goal five assist effort in ten playoff games with Oshawa. During the regular season Jenner was equally impressive, notching twenty five goals and forty one assists in 63 games.

Here is an excerpt from his profile on The Scouting Report dot com:

After a rookie campaign that saw Jenner pot 19 goals and 49 points, he had his hands full leading into the 2010-11 season. With a larger role and a deeper supporting cast, Jenner did not disappoint. He played a solid two-way game finishing +32 better than the previous season, while finishing with 25 goals and 66 points in 63 games this season.

It is hard to say what actually makes Jenner such a great player; he really is a just a complete package. Standing at 6.03, 197 pounds; Jenner is incredibly strong on the puck and is not afraid to go to the high traffic areas on the ice. In combination with his stature, the development in his ability to read the ice really makes him a threat with or without the puck in the offensive zone...

...Despite showing improvement in his sophomore season, there is still a need to enhance his skating ability in order to better his two-way game for the quicker pace of the NHL. The other glaring issue within Jenner’s game has nothing to do with his on-ice ability, but an intangible. His maturity on the ice is a cause for concern as a missed call, a call against, or an inopportune bounce, can set Jenner off his game.

>> The Scouting Report

San Jose has never had an issue with drafting players who are lacking in the skating department, and if Jenner is available in the latter stages of the first round, I don't think there's any doubt he will receive consideration from the organization. Adjectives such as "big body", "tough on the puck", "two-way presence", and "competitiveness" are commonly used to describe the 18 year old center-- furthermore, he has been compared to Philadelphia Flyers center Mike Richards, and told Buzzing The Net, "I like to play like [Philadelphia Flyers centre Mike Richards]. He's a great role model. If I can be compared to him, that would be great."

Remind you of anyone?

For a list of all selections from the 2011 SBN Mock Draft click here.

With Sunday morning upon us, Plank and TCY bid farewell to the kind (but mostly just dirty) city of Los Angeles. We had a great time, and we hope that you enjoyed the articles and information we were able to provide.

Although the big trade never happened, there were some interesting developments throughout the weekend: Wallin and Nichol were resigned, Nabokov's rights were traded to Philadelphia, and San Jose made some pretty deft picks in the later rounds. Below is a recap of all the articles we wrote throughout, and leading up to, the draft:

Wallin, Nichol ink new deals: What this means for San Jose going forward

Sharks add seven players on day two, shine in late rounds

San Jose Allows Philadelphia to begin contract talks with Nabokov

2010 NHL Entry Draft Open Thread, Day 2

Rumors and trade speculation surround Nabokov as the second day of the draft begins

San Jose selects Charlie Coyle with the 28th overall pick

Video: FTF Late Night Confidential, Episode 1

Video: Charlie Coyle's post draft press conference

2010 NHL Entry Draft Open Thread

San Jose Prepares for 2010 NHL Entry Draft

Fear the Fin Live at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft

With the 28th overall pick, Fear the Fin selects Tyler Toffoli

What Can San Jose Expect In The First Round of the NHL Entry Draft?

Beau Bennett chats with FTF

Notre Dame's Riley Sheahan chats with FTF

A look at Ottawa 67's prospects featuring Sports Team 1200 play by play commentator Jon Abbott 

We will have more on all the developments of the weekend when we get back home, as well as take a look forward to free agency which is set to begin on July 1st.

Until next year, NHL Draft. Until next year.

Go Sharks.

Although the Sharks entered the day with just five picks, they would go on to add seven players on day two of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. After a third, three fifths, one sixth, and two seventh round selections, the Sharks closed business on the draft happy with the work that they had done.

We caught up with Sharks Director of Scouting Tim Burke after the draft, and got his take on a few of the players selected. Overall, the stoic gentleman seemed pleased with the team's selections.

It's tough to disagree with him, as we don't know a heck of a lot about the players who were chosen after round two (with the exception of Kabonov, who was finally nabbed in round three). However, we did our best to compile information on them, and will also provide all the quotes and anecdotes on the players that we heard during the day, including those we got from Tim Burke after all was said and done.

Max Gaede, 3rd Round (88th overall)

"He was one of the best players in Minnesota last year. He may not have been a high profile kid, but he's a big strong guy. We liked him, we saw him, and we had a guy living right there who got to watch [Max] all the time. He loved him."

 - Tim Burke

Gaede, a 6'2" 187 high school senior from Maryland, MN, was ranked 104th amongst North American skaters by NHL Central scouting.

The right winger scored 80 points in his 52 games for Woodbury High School in Minnesota. According to Minnesota Hockey Prospects, Gaede is an extremely physical player who also has a scoring touch. They predicted that Gaede would go in the fourth round of this year's draft, so perhaps the Sharks reached a bit here. However, he did shoot up the Central Scouting board by 40 spots from the midterm, so maybe that's saying something.

Gaede is a raw prospect, but should hone his skills in the USHL before attending Minnesota State, Mankato in the fall.

Cody Ferriero, 5th Round (127th overall)

"Alot like his brother, similar players."

- Tim Burke

Just a few picks after Philadelphia selected Tye McGinn, brother of current Sharks winger Jamie McGinn, the Sharks selected the sibling of one of their other players, Cody Ferriero. Cody, the brother of Benn Ferierro, is another high school prospect; Ferriero was ranked 114th by Central Scouting at the end of the year.

Cody, like his brother, is relatively small in stature coming in at only 5'11", 190. However, what he lacks in size he makes up for in grit; Ferriero earned 112 penalty minutes in just 27 games for the Governor's Academy in New England.

Ferriero also has a scoring touch, as he potted 21 goals and added 19 assists in those 27 games. However, he still has alot of work to be done to become an NHL ready player. He'll get the chance to do that when he enrolls at Boston College (his brothers alma mater) in the fall. Ferriero committed to the program back in 2008 when he was still a junior in high school.

Continue on for the Sharks other picks, and our analysis of the second day of the draft.

Continue reading this post »

The Sharks have granted the Philadelphia Flyers permission to discuss a contract with Evgeni Nabokov and his agent in the remaining days leading up to the July 1st Trade Deadline. If Nabokov signs a contract with the Eastern Conference Champions, San Jose would receive a seventh round selection at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This news comes after the Sharks announced they would not be re-signing Nabokov this offseason, citing salary cap concerns as the main reason he would not return.

As we reported earlier today, Philadelphia and San Jose were engaged in talks throughout the last twenty four hours during the Draft, constantly checking in with one another in between selections.

"Evgeni Nabokov is a good goalie," Holmgren said. "If he was to become a free agent, anyone would say that I think."

If the Flyers do not sign Nabokov to a contract before July 1st, it appears as if San Jose would not receive a pick in the deal. The trade market for his services was obviously depleted considering the Sharks had little leverage in negotiations with opposing teams, making a trade with stipulations four days before free agency likely one of the better options for the Sharks.

Another interesting bit of information from the Flyers camp today came when they drafted Tye McGinn, current San Jose Shark Jamie McGinn's brother. Tye is a 6'2 205 pound left winger coming out of the QMJHL. He potted twenty seven goals and thirty five assists in fifty games last year with Gatineau.

"McGinn is a guy we think can come in and play right away in the American League," said Holmgren following their selection. "He's an older guy, and we think we did good."

Go Sharks.

Use this thread to discuss day two of the first round of the NHL Draft. We're using cover it live, so look for our tweets in the widget below. We'll hit the comments as often as we can. The Sharks have one pick in the third, three in the fifth, and one in the seventh.

Make sure to check out all of our draft coverage, located in the 2010 NHL Draft section.

Go Sharks.

Although this morning on NHL Live Doug Wilson stated that he wouldn't trade the negotiating rights to Evgeni Nabokov before he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, it appears as if the first day of the draft might have changed his mind. After the first round was completed, and people started to file out of the arena, Wilson was one of the few GM's left on the draft floor.

Had he gotten offers for Nabokov, and how many if he had?

"Have people contacted me about him? Yes. As for how many, let's say more than one and leave it at that," Wilson remarked with a wink.

Although we don't know exactly who these two teams are, it's assumed that one is the Philadelphia Flyers, who are looking for a goaltender this offseason. We did catch Doug Wilson and Philadelphia GM Paul Holmgren chatting multiple times during the draft between picks, and with numerous sources in the Philadelphia media reporting growing interest in the Russian netminder, the possibility of these two teams engaging in a transaction tomorrow is greater than it was yesterday morning.

We also saw Wilson with Vancouver GM Mike Gillis and members of the Carolina Hurricanes camp. Although the speculation here is pure guesswork, the Canucks traded for defenseman Keith Ballard yesterday, setting up a situation where they have a large number of blueliners on the roster. Kevin Bieksa has been linked to trade talks in circles of the media, a player that San Jose could most definitely be interested in. Bieksa brings an ability to play top three minutes immediately for the Sharks, contributing physical acumen and offensive skills to a team that could use an upgrade on the backend.

Bieksa has one year remaining on a $3.75MM deal.

However, even though nothing immediate came from Wilson's conversations, or the multiple chats he had on the phone throughout the day, Wilson told FTF that he was still working into the night.

"I'm all ears," Wilson said in regards to a potential trade. "I'm going back to the hotel and anyone can call me."

Beyond that, Wilson wouldn't elaborate. But behind the shroud of mystery, you could tell that there was something brewing, as it likely always is with the San Jose GM. Perhaps the proposals and offers made on Friday just needed some time to marinate.

Which again brings us back to Nabokov. It's obvious that no team would have been offering a first round selection for a few days of exclusivity with the Sharks' 34 year old netminder, and that probably contributed to a deal not being made. But what is that four day window worth?

Dan Hamhuis is obviously a unique case, but it's one of the more interesting situations that we can remember in which a UFA's rights were traded. That's because in the span of just a few days, Hamhuis' rights have been transferred twice; first to Philadelphia for RFA Ryan Parent, and second to Pittsburgh for a third round selection in next years draft. Rumor has it that Philly never actually negotiated with Hamhuis, so something else must have happened there (perhaps they decided to spend the money on Nabokov, instead)--  that leaves us with the perceived bounty of a mid-round pick for Nabokov, not a poor return by any means for a player San Jose is guaranteed not to re-sign.

We've mentioned Braydon Coburn in trade pieces before, but it's unlikely he's involved here. That doesn't eliminate the possibility that he could be donning teal of course-- we just don't think this is the move that gets it done. And in all honesty, with Hamhuis out of the picture in Philadelphia, the chances that Coburn will be playing somewhere other than the city of Brotherly Love next season is growing less likely every day.

Wilson has always shied away from making rash or impulsive decisions that many other hockey executives fall victim to. It's easy to forget that only the first 30 picks took place on Friday evening, as teams will continue to shape their organizations with the picks and trades they make during tomorrow's six round docket.

Doug Wilson wouldn't specify, though, on how he would handle the second day of the draft. A member of the media asked him if he was looking for picks or roster players coming back to San Jose in a potential deal.

"You're trying to take advantage of an old defenseman," Wilson said, flashing his trademark raised eyebrow and grin. "Just because I didn't wear a helmet."

The truth is, that old defenseman is usually the one taking advantage of others this time of year.

Even if he didn't wear a helmet.