Raleigh, NC (Sports Network) - The countdown is on to the first annual OTHL Entry Draft.
The Preds' brass have made their way to Raleigh, North Carolina in preparation for tomorrow's gathering of future OTHL stars. Along with general manager Chad Blouin's scouting staff, head coach Barry Trotz has also made the trip east. This all but confirms that Trotz and his coaches will remain with the club -- a decision that has yet to be publicly addressed by Blouin since he took control.
The Predators have held a total of 3 first-round picks during the past two weeks -- 15th, 20th, and 22nd overall -- but enter the draft without a selection in the top 30. They'll be plenty busy though, with a total of seven draft picks on day one, and another seven coming on day two of the draft.
Recent grubmlings suggest that Blouin has been in discussions with half a dozen teams in an attempt to acquire a first-rounder, reportedly offering up veteran winger Steve Sullivan for packages of picks & prospects. According to assistant GM Ray Shero, however, those rumors are false. "Sully's a big part of our club, his leadership will be key for our young guys," Shero said. "I can tell you this, there have been no trade discussions involving Steve Sullivan."
Though it appears Sullivan's position with the club is safe, the same cannot be said for defenseman Kimmo Timonen. A report published in Friday's edition of the Tennessean hint that the 28 year-old Fin is on his way out. The reports cites a league official as saying a deal has been reached inolving the soon-to-be free agent. The paper goes on to say that while the trade has been agreed to, the potential trading partner is awaiting confirmation from the team's ownership group before it can be sent into the league's offices.