LOS ANGELES -- Picks were in play Friday in the lead up to the first round of the NHL draft.
It was widely known for a few days that the fourth overall pick from Columbus and the 15th overall pick belonging to Florida were available, but the New York Islanders have also put their fifth overall pick in play, a team source confirmed to ESPN.com on Friday morning.
In return, the Islanders were thinking about either trading down or looking "for a good young player in return."
But as of 11 a.m. PT, there was nothing worth trading for. Ditto for Columbus, where a Jackets source told ESPN.com there was "nothing close" on the trade front for the fourth overall pick.
Kaberle update
As of midday, Leafs GM Brian Burke told ESPN.com via e-mail he was sitting at four legitimate trade offers for defenseman Tomas Kaberle."I was told I would get two more last night," Burke said. "I expect them today. I would say at this point it's unlikely he is going anywhere today."
Latest on Thomas
One hot rumor had the Tampa Bay Lightning being interested in goalie Tim Thomas. A Lightning source, however, told ESPN.com the team just couldn't take on that contract, not unless the Lightning moved some bodies. Thomas has three years and $15 million left on his deal. Sounds more and more like Tampa will look at the massive list of UFA goalies come July 1.Stay tuned. More to come today!