UPDATE ( 7:05 p.m. ET): For the latest rumors and draft picks, follow our live tracker right here.
6:53 p.m.: All eyes are on Edmonton as the minutes tick down.
#mnwild definitely in on RNH, but league executive says "oilers are in the middle of everything"
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 24, 2016
6:48 p.m.: The latest on a potential deal for Shattenkirk:
I've been reporting a return on Shattenkirk would be picks/prospect. They could get an established player but likely rules out Backes return
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) June 24, 2016
6:36 p.m.: The draft is about 30 minutes away, and deals could be imminent.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/746471724342906883
6:26 p.m.: This would be quite the blockbuster.
Source: #stlblues and #oilers in talks about Shattenkirk. Oilers offering Nugent-Hopkins; Blues asking price: Taylor Hall or Jordan Eberle.
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) June 24, 2016
6:21 p.m.: Potentially bad news for the other NHL teams interested in Kevin Shattenkirk’s services:
And this: Kevin Shattenkirk's price tag on an extension is in the $7 million-per range but he would take a discount to join the Rangers #NYR
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) June 24, 2016
6:10 p.m.: The Boston Bruins could be after Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw.
Hearing there's been discussions between B's and Hawks regarding Andrew Shaw and 29th pick. B's aren't biting yet
— steve conroy (@conroyherald) June 24, 2016
5:58 p.m.: P.K. Subban may be staying put, after all.
#canadiens Marc Bergevin confirmed to #tvasports that he received no offer so far for PK Subban.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 24, 2016
5:45 p.m.: Cam Fowler’s stock could be dropping.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/746458822265307136
5:42 p.m.: The Wild have some extra cap space after buying out Thomas Vanek, and the Oilers could be a willing trade partner.
Lots of steam today that #mnwild and #oilers could partner up tonight. Wild likely targeting Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Oilers Brodin or Dumba
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 24, 2016
5:23 p.m.: The New York Rangers could make Daniel Girardi and Marc Staal available, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News.
#NYR GM Jeff Gorton is trying 2 move Girardi and/or M.Staal as #NHL Draft nears, per source. Each would have to waive no-move clauses tho
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) June 24, 2016
5:13 p.m.: The Buffalo Sabres reportedly are showing interest in Edmonton Oilers forward Nail Yakupov.
Can confirm @NHLbyMatty report that #Sabres have been kicking tires on Nail Yakupov. #Oilers
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) June 24, 2016
5:10 p.m.: The Flames and Blue Jackets could be closing in on a deal.
CGY GM Brad Treliving and CBJ GM Jarmo Kekalainen deep in yet another conversation just off the draft floor.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2016
4:55 p.m.: The Winnipeg Jets reportedly aren’t interested in parting with their No. 2 overall selection — yet.
Jets today received a very significant offer for the No. 2 pick. But as of now sticking with the pick…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 24, 2016
4:52 p.m.: Keep your eyes on the Flames, folks. Their general manager appears to be stoking the fire.
Brad Treliving has been among most engaged in discussions as draft floor fills up. Jarmo Kekelainen and Treliving now in 3rd discussion.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 24, 2016
4:48 p.m: Calgary might be interested in another Eastern Conference goaltender if Ben Bishop’s asking price is too high.
Add name of Jimmy Howard to Flames' goalie chase.Hearing Bishop wants long term extension if traded to Calgary.Hearing 7×7 asking price.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) June 24, 2016
4:33 p.m.: The Flames aren’t interested in trading defenseman Dougie Hamilton, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Some noise past couple of days about potential Dougie Hamilton trade. One team has asked, but Flames aren't interested in trading him.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 24, 2016
4:25 p.m.: The Calgary Flames reportedly have their eyes on two big-name goaltenders.
CGY working to get a goalie. Have had talks with TB on Bishop and with STL on Elliott. CGY has permission to talk to Bishop about extension.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 24, 2016
4:15 p.m.: The Lightning have locked up another forward ahead of the draft.
Lightning announce they've re-signed Cedric Paquette to 2-year contract.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) June 24, 2016
3:53 p.m.: TSN’s Darren Dreger sees a couple potential draft trades involving Anaheim Ducks forward Cam Fowler.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/746430128675160065
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/746430256223916032
3:45 p.m.: The latest on the Subban trade rumors:
https://twitter.com/SportsnetSpec/status/746428652838084608
3:40 p.m.: The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked up forward J.T. Brown ahead of Thursday night’s draft.
J.T.! He’s been re-signed to a two-year contract.
📝: https://t.co/road5K5BSR pic.twitter.com/aeGig9VqU5
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) June 24, 2016
3:30 p.m.: Vanek’s buyout is official, per Michael Russo of the Star Tribune.
I just got off the phone with Thomas Vanek, and he has confirmed that the #mnwild is buying him out
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 24, 2016
3:25 p.m.: Could Vanek wind up somewhere in the Big Apple?
Bought-out Vanek will be very interesting option for NYI if willing to play on a cap-friendly one-year deal to rehabilitate himself.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 24, 2016
And if NYR deal Nash or Kreider, Vanek would be reasonable option for them under that scenario as well, but Vanek-Tavares history could rule
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 24, 2016
3:23 p.m.: The Wild could be in position to add some talent with Vanek’s contract out of the picture.
Vanek's buyout will provide $5 million in cap relief next season and give the #mnwild a cushion to clearly add salary…14M in space now
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 24, 2016
3:15 p.m.: The numbers behind Vanek’s reported buyout:
https://twitter.com/generalfanager/status/746421267973050369
3:10 p.m.: It appears Thomas Vanek’s days with the Minnesota Wild are over.
Per sources, Thomas Vanek has been informed the #mnwild will be buying him out
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 24, 2016
2:51 p.m.: The Dallas Stars also could be in the mix, per Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.
League source says Patrick Sharp could be in play for Dallas, which desperately needs help on defense. Another possibility for Kulikov?
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 24, 2016
2:50 p.m.: The Florida Panthers reportedly could be a possible destination for Shaw if the Blackhawks can’t re-sign him.
Source on chances Shaw and #Blackhawks get a deal done: "50-50." Like @MarkLazerus already said, FLA also interested.
— Tracey Myers (@Tramyers_NHL) June 24, 2016
2:40 p.m: It appears Andrew Shaw is commanding quite the high price. Could the Chicago Blackhawks move him instead?
Source says Andrew Shaw is asking for at least $4.5 million AAV. Moving him might be more realistic than moving Kruger. FLA a possibility.
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) June 24, 2016
1:45 p.m. ET: Draft day finally is upon us.
The 2016 NHL Draft begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday night at First Niagara Center in Buffalo, with the Toronto Maple Leafs set to make the first overall selection.
There’s plenty that could happen between now and then, however, as rumors already are flying about potential draft-night trades. Among the more prominent names in the rumor mill: Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban, who reportedly could be on the trading block, and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler, who reportedly has drawn interest from the Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres.
The chatter likely will heat up as first pick approaches, so stay tuned to our live blog for all the latest rumors and updates.
Check out NESN.com’s final 2016 NHL Mock Draft >>
Thumbnail photo via Bruce Fedyck/USA TODAY Sports Images
