June 22, 2015 - 1:59 PM
LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The NHL descends on Las Vegas and South Florida this week for the awards show and draft. Here are five things to expect this week:
1. Trades aplenty
General managers meeting Tuesday in Las Vegas should stir the pot on trade talks. Patrick Sharp of the Chicago Blackhawks and Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs are among those who could be on the move.
2. Next step on expansion
With the Las Vegas strip as the backdrop, commissioner Gary Bettman will update the board of governors Wednesday on prospective owner Bill Foley's progress on his season-ticket drive. The next step may be opening a formal expansion process.
3. Rule changes
There's only one more stamp needed to get changes to overtime and the addition of a coach's challenge system for next season. Expect some three-on-three in OT and the ability for coaches to challenge goaltender interference.
4. Re-signings
A handful of unrestricted free agents will re-up with their teams before the market opens July 1. Mike Ribeiro of the Nashville Predators and Michal Frolik of the Winnipeg Jets top that list, and Wild goaltender Devan Dubnyk could do the same.
5. Unpredictability at draft
After Connor McDavid first to the Edmonton Oilers and Jack Eichel second to the Buffalo Sabres, the first round Friday night could descend into chaos. The Arizona Coyotes at No. 3 represent the crossroads, and anything can happen from there.
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News from © The Canadian Press, 2015