Movin on up...in the draft

Today the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers hooked up on a deal that seel the Rangers acquire the 2nd overall selection in the 2009 MRFHL Entry Draft. We spoke to Rangers GM about the trade as well as the recent deal to acquire winger Corey Perry.

"We were thinking that we would be content at 3, 6 and 8 in the draft. We think that there are quite a few players that would be available at each selection that could help this franchise. But we started making a few calls, receiving a few calls. We felt that if we could do something with the Buffalo 1st, then we would look to move into the top three to see if could ensure 2 of the top three in this draft. When we came to terms on the Perry deal, we then felt it was important to start the 2nd phase of this quickly put together plan. We contacted the Panthers and came close to securing the pick a day or so ago, but we were able to close that out today and we feel real good about the players that we are going to be selecting. Any combination of two of the following three of Tavares, Hedman and Duchene along with Perry and I will consider this draft a HUGE success for thsi franchise"

We asked if he had any idea or preference as to who he will be taking and here's what the GM had to say

"Well, we think that the Stars, should they retain the pick, may be more interested in taking the young center John Tavares. However, they do have Stamkos already on the roster so they could conceiveably take Hedman as well. As for my preference, I know that I will be taking Matt Duchene with #3. To me, I guess losing Barker, I'd like to replace him, but if Hedman is gone, I'd be just as happy taking Tavares at #2.