Post by Anaheim GM on Jun 27, 2012 14:10:17 GMT -5
Anaheim, CA.- The the 2012 NsHL Entry Draft quickly approaching, Anaheim Duck Owner/President/GM Mark Kopsack told reporters this morning that the team had "all hands on deck" in preparation.
"With three picks in the top 51 and six in the top 120, we are preparing a great deal for the upcoming 2012 NsHL Entry Draft," Kopsack said in his Wednesday morning press conference. While he remained tight lipped over player preference, he did mention that the NHL entry draft was a real eye opener. "I thought there were a lot of surprises in there, quite frankly. It seemed as though there were some real risky picks in a draft class that appears to be not quite as deep as many originally thought," Kopsack said. The GM, who was in attendance for the NHL entry draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, did have some positives to say in regards to the draft. "Of course, if you need a solid blueliner or six, this is draft to be picking in. It appears that the bumper crop of defensemen is intensely solid throughout the first couple of rounds. There are quality gems to be had even in the later rounds as well."
It appears as though the Ducks will select at 20, 50, 51, and 80 on the opening day of the draft. The Ducks have two selections in the fourth round (#105 and #120) and have two picks in the six round (#166 and #170). "Ultimately, we would like to get another pick inside the top 35, however, I am not sure if the supply is really there or not. If I had a draft wish list for this year I would also like to have an early third round selection or two, however, we will see who has what available. I've heard of GMs looking to move some top draft selections, however, there does not seem to be a plethora of teams willing to move many picks. We may end up turning into sellers if we feel the return is too strong to turn down," Kopsack said.
Available for Picks
The Anaheim Ducks have been quietly shopping the player rights of 41 year old veteran, Teemu Selanne, as the team and player have agreed to go in separate directions for the upcoming year. "I think Teemu has proven that he has more hockey left in him," said GM Mark Kopsack, however a deal has to make sense. The Ducks are due a bonus of at least $750,000 should the Finnish Flash head to free agency. The Ducks would be willing to offer a conditional pick along with Selanne as insurance.
The Ducks also have told veteran forward Jay Pandolfo that the team would not be offering a contract for the upcoming season. "We really liked Jay's service, his value, and his versatility to play all three forward positions, however, we feel strongly that the crop of youngsters we have will fill in very nicely in his absence."
Rumblings of Mattias Ohlund either playing or retiring are still unclear, however, the team would like to work a deal with another team who may be able to use the highly talented veteran on their blueline next season. "What we had in mind was a deal for a pick in this year's draft in exchange for Ohlund and a conditional pick in next year's draft should Mattias choose to not play next year. We obviously want it to be a good situation for any team that could provide a good home for Mattias," Kopsack said. Mattias still has one year left on a $6.3 million/year contract.
Available Prospects for Picks
The Anaheim organization confirmed that three players on the team's organizational prospect list are available to the highest bidder or draft selection offer.
Blake Kessel (D)-Serious Inquires only, Andrej Nestrasil (C), and Josh Birkholz (RW)
Available AsHL Players for Picks
Kopsack confirmed that the following AsHL players are available for 2012 entry draft selections:
Corey Locke (C), Trevor Smith (C), Angelo Esposito (C), Mikko Lehtonen (RW), Matt Pelech (D), Daniel Larsson (G)
Serious inquires only: John McCarthy (LW), Anton Khudobin (G)
Contract Negotiations
Kopsack did confirm that he had initial contract offerings in to agents that represent Restricted Free Agents Daniel Paille, Aaron Johnson, and Bruno Gervais. "It is our hope that we sign these guys ahead of the draft to continue a mutually beneficial relationship," Kopsack said.
Anaheim GM Mark Kopsack IS available
The veteran GM told reporters that his phone lines are working, his emails are flowing, and his pencil has been sharpened. "Anyone who has an interest in moving a pick or two in the upcoming draft, regardless of what round it is, would be best served by giving me a call first," said the confident GM. "There are players that I would rather not move (99% of the roster), however, the players listed in this press release are available, ready, and able to be traded. All I need is any offer, even a silly one, and we will work with it. No questions asked."
The 2012 NsHL Entry Draft takes place on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 in Bridgewater, Pennsvylania.
"With three picks in the top 51 and six in the top 120, we are preparing a great deal for the upcoming 2012 NsHL Entry Draft," Kopsack said in his Wednesday morning press conference. While he remained tight lipped over player preference, he did mention that the NHL entry draft was a real eye opener. "I thought there were a lot of surprises in there, quite frankly. It seemed as though there were some real risky picks in a draft class that appears to be not quite as deep as many originally thought," Kopsack said. The GM, who was in attendance for the NHL entry draft in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, did have some positives to say in regards to the draft. "Of course, if you need a solid blueliner or six, this is draft to be picking in. It appears that the bumper crop of defensemen is intensely solid throughout the first couple of rounds. There are quality gems to be had even in the later rounds as well."
It appears as though the Ducks will select at 20, 50, 51, and 80 on the opening day of the draft. The Ducks have two selections in the fourth round (#105 and #120) and have two picks in the six round (#166 and #170). "Ultimately, we would like to get another pick inside the top 35, however, I am not sure if the supply is really there or not. If I had a draft wish list for this year I would also like to have an early third round selection or two, however, we will see who has what available. I've heard of GMs looking to move some top draft selections, however, there does not seem to be a plethora of teams willing to move many picks. We may end up turning into sellers if we feel the return is too strong to turn down," Kopsack said.
Available for Picks
The Anaheim Ducks have been quietly shopping the player rights of 41 year old veteran, Teemu Selanne, as the team and player have agreed to go in separate directions for the upcoming year. "I think Teemu has proven that he has more hockey left in him," said GM Mark Kopsack, however a deal has to make sense. The Ducks are due a bonus of at least $750,000 should the Finnish Flash head to free agency. The Ducks would be willing to offer a conditional pick along with Selanne as insurance.
The Ducks also have told veteran forward Jay Pandolfo that the team would not be offering a contract for the upcoming season. "We really liked Jay's service, his value, and his versatility to play all three forward positions, however, we feel strongly that the crop of youngsters we have will fill in very nicely in his absence."
Rumblings of Mattias Ohlund either playing or retiring are still unclear, however, the team would like to work a deal with another team who may be able to use the highly talented veteran on their blueline next season. "What we had in mind was a deal for a pick in this year's draft in exchange for Ohlund and a conditional pick in next year's draft should Mattias choose to not play next year. We obviously want it to be a good situation for any team that could provide a good home for Mattias," Kopsack said. Mattias still has one year left on a $6.3 million/year contract.
Available Prospects for Picks
The Anaheim organization confirmed that three players on the team's organizational prospect list are available to the highest bidder or draft selection offer.
Blake Kessel (D)-Serious Inquires only, Andrej Nestrasil (C), and Josh Birkholz (RW)
Available AsHL Players for Picks
Kopsack confirmed that the following AsHL players are available for 2012 entry draft selections:
Corey Locke (C), Trevor Smith (C), Angelo Esposito (C), Mikko Lehtonen (RW), Matt Pelech (D), Daniel Larsson (G)
Serious inquires only: John McCarthy (LW), Anton Khudobin (G)
Contract Negotiations
Kopsack did confirm that he had initial contract offerings in to agents that represent Restricted Free Agents Daniel Paille, Aaron Johnson, and Bruno Gervais. "It is our hope that we sign these guys ahead of the draft to continue a mutually beneficial relationship," Kopsack said.
Anaheim GM Mark Kopsack IS available
The veteran GM told reporters that his phone lines are working, his emails are flowing, and his pencil has been sharpened. "Anyone who has an interest in moving a pick or two in the upcoming draft, regardless of what round it is, would be best served by giving me a call first," said the confident GM. "There are players that I would rather not move (99% of the roster), however, the players listed in this press release are available, ready, and able to be traded. All I need is any offer, even a silly one, and we will work with it. No questions asked."
The 2012 NsHL Entry Draft takes place on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 in Bridgewater, Pennsvylania.