OTHL -- The OTHL held there inagural waiver draft earlier today. 41 players changed teams on a what has to be called a very active waiver draft. Among the notable players switching teams we saw Pittsburgh pick up young goaltender Philippe Sauve from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jason Ward was picked by the Hurricanes. Montreal had hoped that Ward would have gone unpicked, but where now forced to say goodbye to Ward. Montreal also lost Jim Dowd, who they replaced with Tim Taylor right away.
Chicago who picked as number two in the draft, where active and pick up both Sean Avery and Scott Parker. Two players that will add even more toughness to Chicago. But the most active team where the St Louis Blues. St Louis picked up 4 players in the draft. Jim Dowd, Dan LaCoture, Mark Smith and Scott Barney where all picked up by the Blues. But they had to send away Pascal Rheaume, Eric Perrin and Tim Taylor.
"As always when there is a waiver draft, its most depth guys and enforcers that is picked up. The most active teams are often teams that are not expected to be among the top teams. The top teams cannot afford to un-protect a player. But its nice for the teams with not so much depth." - Commissioner Mathias Vaigur comments on the draft.