Shell
05-06-2003, 08:19 AM
Blues, Devils swap entry draft picks
By DERRICK GOOLD Post-Dispatch
updated: 05/05/2003 09:29 PM
The Blues and the New Jersey Devils will swap first-round picks at this year's NHL entry draft, completing the Blues' punishment for a tampering case that is almost nine years old.
The Devils applied for the swap after winning their second-round playoff series against Tampa Bay, thus assuring a leap - albeit small - when the final draft orders are determined after the Stanley Cup Finals.
This was the last draft the Devils could demand the swap.
The Blues could exercise a block before a predetermined deadline and shove the swap to next season, but general manager Larry Pleau said the Blues will not do so.
"It's done now," he said. "It's done. And that's the big thing - that it's all over. We knew it was coming and just wanted to get it over with. It'd be different if we had the block on draft day but we don't."
The swap is part of a penalty handed down in January 1999 concerning the Blues' tampering with Devils free agent and former Blue Scott Stevens in July 1994. The Blues, who previously paid Washington five first-round picks to sign Stevens in 1990, were told in 1999 they owed the Devils a first-round pick, cash, and a swap of first-round picks. New Jersey claimed the Blues' pick at 24 in 2001 (and shuttled it to Florida).
The Blues, who lost to Vancouver in the first round but had the league's eighth-best record, would pick 30th if the Devils win the Stanley Cup. The draft is June 21-22 in Nashville, Tenn.
By DERRICK GOOLD Post-Dispatch
updated: 05/05/2003 09:29 PM
The Blues and the New Jersey Devils will swap first-round picks at this year's NHL entry draft, completing the Blues' punishment for a tampering case that is almost nine years old.
The Devils applied for the swap after winning their second-round playoff series against Tampa Bay, thus assuring a leap - albeit small - when the final draft orders are determined after the Stanley Cup Finals.
This was the last draft the Devils could demand the swap.
The Blues could exercise a block before a predetermined deadline and shove the swap to next season, but general manager Larry Pleau said the Blues will not do so.
"It's done now," he said. "It's done. And that's the big thing - that it's all over. We knew it was coming and just wanted to get it over with. It'd be different if we had the block on draft day but we don't."
The swap is part of a penalty handed down in January 1999 concerning the Blues' tampering with Devils free agent and former Blue Scott Stevens in July 1994. The Blues, who previously paid Washington five first-round picks to sign Stevens in 1990, were told in 1999 they owed the Devils a first-round pick, cash, and a swap of first-round picks. New Jersey claimed the Blues' pick at 24 in 2001 (and shuttled it to Florida).
The Blues, who lost to Vancouver in the first round but had the league's eighth-best record, would pick 30th if the Devils win the Stanley Cup. The draft is June 21-22 in Nashville, Tenn.