Ottawa Senators: Lost under the radar during the NHL entry draft last weekend was Ottawa re-signing center Bryan Smolinski to a four-year, $10 million deal that prevents the trade deadline pickup from the Los Angeles Kings from pursuing unrestricted free agency. Senators GM John Muckler called Smolinski the "last piece of the puzzle."
Florida Panthers: A day after trading the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NHL draft, the Florida Panthers tried to find a loophole to draft the player expected to be taken first in 2004. Arguing that leap years should be considered when determining Russian prospect Alexander Ovechkin's age, the Panthers failed to convince the NHL that Russian Alexander Ovechkin should be eligible this year.
An agreement between the Blues and Panthers likely means winger Valeri Bure will be returning to Florida soon before he clears waivers for a second time.
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