The 33-year history of Habs first-round picks is ugly. [Montreal Gazette]
Keep an eye on Max Pacioretty, who may be traded during draft weekend. [TSN]/
Around the league and elsewhere
The salary cap will officially increase by $4.5 million to $79.5 million next season. [ESPN]
Joe Veleno has no regrets about applying for exceptional status. [La Presse]
Nick Boynton is joining the concussion lawsuit against the NHL and has donated his brain to science. [TSN]
The legal, moral, and contractual issues at play for any NHL team interested in signing Slava Voynov. [The Athletic]
With a new owner and front office team, the Carolina Hurricanes might be busy on draft weekend. [ProHockeyTalk]
Why the Ottawa Senators should give the 4th overall pick to the Colorado Avalanche. [Sportsnet]
You’ve heard this before, Edmonton: the Oilers are apparently willing to move the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft for a defenceman. [ProHockeyTalk]
Is Shayne Gostisbehere a future Norris Trophy candidate? [Broad Street Hockey]
Barry Trotz is the new head coach of the New York Islanders. [Lighthouse Hockey]
It was a conversation with new GM Lou Lamoriello which excited Barry Trotz about the prospect of joining the Islanders. [ProHockeyTalk]
Alex Ovechkin says that Trotz’s departure is sad, but is also part of the business. [TSN]
Does adding Trotz pave the way for John Tavares’ return to Long Island? [The Athletic]
Minister for Sport Kirsty Duncan declares that national sporting organizations which fail to immediately disclose allegations of abuse within their ranks risk losing federal funding. [CBC]/