NHL GMs yesterday had a conference call with Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly to "go over any last questions they had" related to the expansion draft process and "part of the message from the NHL to GMs was to make sure NOT to leak any trades" made with the Golden Knights ahead of the June 21 NHL Expansion Draft and Awards Show, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN.ca (TWITTER.com, 6/14). In Toronto, Lance Hornby notes intrigue "ramped up the past couple of days as teams were allowed to ask players to waive no-movement clauses in order to protect their most important or cost-efficient talent." Senators D Dion Phaneuf's "refusal to play ball in Ottawa was expected," but there is speculation the Golden Knights and Ducks "already have something going that will preclude the Ducks having to ask" D Kevin Bieksa to waive his. TSN "reports some kind of deal is already in place since Bieksa, if he triggers his clause, would cause difficulties" for the Ducks (TORONTO SUN, 6/14).
HIT ME: In Las Vegas, Alan Snel noted the Golden Knights have entered into a corporate partnership with The D Las Vegas hotel and casino. The six-year deal "allows The D to be the downtown epicenter for Golden Knights watch parties and events," while The D Owner Derek Stevens "pledged $100,000 to the team’s foundation to help pay for youth hockey programs in the Las Vegas market" (LVSPORTSBIZ.com, 6/13).
