Nashville Predators draft reviews pour in, and tragedy strikes Milwaukee

This morning's news and notes focuses on a wrapup from the NHL draft - we've got analysis as to how the Predators did, a look at the gambles that David Poile took, and some hilarious stuff from one of the Maple Leafs blogs.

Right up front, however, I wanted to pass this along:

Thoughts For The Jessiman Family - Admirals Short Shifts
We have sad news from the Milwaukee Admirals - the mother of Hugh Jessiman, the forward who was obtained from the New York Rangers early last season, died after a hiking accident in Scotland last week. She was 51.

Predators' draft gambles show risks, potential rewards | The Tennessean

John Glennon highlights the gambles that David Poile took with his draft picks - an undersized defenseman in the 1st round, followed by two guys (Zach Budish & Nick Oliver) coming back from serious injuries. One example of "character" that Jeff Kealty talked about in our interview last week was that how a player reacts and recovers from injury is something the team pays attention to.

Predators hope Ryan Ellis brings his winning ways to Nashville - Nashville Predators Examiner

Jim Diamond has reaction from David Poile and Pierre McGuire about the Preds' first pick, including word that apparently Minnesota really had their eye on him if Nashville didn't take him.

Oh, and Ryan? Just so you know there's a lot more to Nashville than country music, this front-page article from the Tennessean on Sunday will help you out. Personally, I'm allergic to country music, but I love it here.

NHL draft team-by-team analyses - nbcsports.com

Will there be enough room on a talented Nashville blueline for Ryan Ellis down the road?

Nashville picks, Admirals wait - Milwaukee Admirals Examiner

Tim Johnson takes a look at Nashville's draft picks from the perspective of their AHL affiliate in Milwaukee. The Admirals have been pretty successful over the last few years, and they'll benefit from this talent on its way up to the NHL.

Down Goes Brown: Brian Burke mic'd at the draft: What TSN didn't show you

Toronto's bombastic Brian Burke has no problem grabbing the spotlight, but Down Goes Brown takes things a step further. Comedy gold...

Fictitious Japanese player added punch to '74 draft - Montreal Gazette

For those who may not have heard of this story before, a look back at perhaps the most unique draft pick in NHL history.