Rumors Build in Advance of Saturday's NHL Draft

With the 2004 NHL Entry Draft approaching, rumors are beginning to take shape. Most of them concern the possible destination of this year's most coveted prodigy, Russian forward Alexander Ovechkin.

Nobody in the hockey world disputes that Ovechkin is the best player available in 2004, and an exceptional prospect by any standard. The Hockey News claims he might be the best young Russian ever.

The Washington Capitals hold the top pick. Would they entertain trade offers? The Caps aren't saying one way or the other. But the Chicago Blackhawks are hoping to make an offer the Capitals cannot refuse. This may be wishful thinking on the part of the Blackhawks, who have very few players of interest to any other NHL team. "We're talking to Washington and we're talking to them aggressively," says assistant general manager Dale Tallon. "I know a few teams are trying."

This sort of stuff fills the air before every draft, and rarely means anything. The Capitals will pass on Ovechkin only if someone makes them an offer that would represent the biggest trade in franchise history. Expect Washington to grab him without delay when business opens on Saturday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, with the second pick, will likely go for another Russian forward, Evgeni Malkin. The Blackhawks will probably take Canadian defenseman Cam Barker with the third selection.

More on the 2004 NHL Entry Draft