The NHL announced that the Devils will host the '13 NHL Entry Draft. In N.Y., Jeff Klein noted it will be "the first held in the New York metropolitan area." By awarding next year's draft "to the Devils at the Prudential Center in Newark, the league signaled confidence in the ability of the Devils' owner, Jeff Vanderbeek, to stabilize the club's shaky finances" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/23). The NHL also announced that the Flyers will host the '14 NHL Entry Draft at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia (NJ.com, 6/22).
WHEELS IN MOTION: In Montreal, Pat Hickey noted NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was seen with former Canadiens G Patrick Roy in Pittsburgh, and "the meeting touched off renewed speculation that Quebec City is the Plan B the NHL claims it doesn't have for the troubled franchise in Phoenix." Roy is the co-Owner, GM & coach of the QMJHL Quebec Ramparts and he would "be the perfect guy to talk to if you wanted to determine Quebec's readiness for an NHL franchise" (Montreal GAZETTE, 6/23).
HOMEFRONT: On Long Island, Arthur Staple noted Islanders Owner Charles Wang "was succinct when discussing the future home" of his franchise. Wang said in regards to a new arena, "Nothing new." He added, "It's an important year. As I've said, the same thing I've said for all 12 years (I've owned the team), we have an expiring lease and we have to do something about it" (NEWSDAY, 6/23).
