Buffalo Will Host The 2016 NHL Draft...Can The Oilers Avoid Prominence?

Die By The Blade: Buffalo to host 2016 NHL Draft
Terry Pegula and the Sabres organization have been open about desire to bring as many hockey events to Buffalo as possible. Buffalo has already been chosen as the new host of the draft combine, the 2015 women's world championships, and the 2015 sled hockey world championships as well.

This draft is in our own Jeff Chapman's backyard and he'll likely attend.  Can we possibly allow him to be bored?  Can the Oilers do something that prevents them from being a featured team at the draft...again?  Can they start by sending Brad Hunt back to the AHL, and Andrew Ference to some team that wants a "leader"?

NHL.com: Ales Hemsky feeds Trevor Daley for the goal.
They see me dragging
They hatin
Defending they tryin to catch me threadin' dirty
Tryin to catch me threadin' dirty
Tryin to catch me threadin' dirty
Tryin to catch me threadin' dirty
Tryin to catch me threadin' dirty

It's great to see Hemsky playing well, but man does it hurt he's doing it in Dallas and not Edmonton. The media in Dallas seems to like him too. Funny that.

Eyes On The Prize: Tim Bozon assigned to the Kootenay Ice of the WHL
"Tim Bozon has come a long way. He fought a life-threatening disease with courage and determination and we are pleased with what he accomplished in the last few months. He was able to take part in the rookie camp, the Canadiens’ official camp and the Hamilton Bulldogs training camp. However, with his progression having been diminished due to illness, we feel that one of the priorities for his long term development is for him to fully regain his physical strength. We believe that joining the Kootenay Ice in the WHL is the right decision at this time as it will allow Tim to fully recover", said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.

Good on Kootenay for taking Bozon back as an overager even though he's going to be working back to form while he's there.  Bozon was a very good player with a bright future when he got hit with meningitis, I hope he's back to form and ready for the AHL in March.

Matchsticks and Gasoline: Sam Bennett to undergo shoulder surgery, out 4-6 months
While it's unfortunate that Bennett, one of the youngest of the 2014 draft class, is going to miss a significant portion of the season, there are a few silver linings to this. One: he's so young, and already so good. And two: he was that good while injured.

What sort of shoulder screenings and treatments are available to CHL players?

Have to like this Lightning fan giving Arash Madani his props.

The American Hockey League: Education, drug testing program implemented
An education and drug testing program will be implemented for American Hockey League players, effective for the 2014-15 season, the National Hockey League and American Hockey League announced today.

Speaking of which...

Vancouver Sun: Drug dealer sentenced after hiding from RCMP in own basement for 17 years
A violent drug dealer who hid from police in the basement of his Onoway house for 17 years was sent to prison Friday.

Bake him away, toys.

As long as we're on the topic: