NHL Draft may still be held in June

Some Saint John Sea Dogs may end up hearing their name called at an NHL Draft in June after all.

According to multiple media reports - including this one from Elliotte Friedman - the NHL Draft, originally scheduled for June 26-27 in Montreal, may end up going ahead in virtual form even with the NHL season still on hold.

As Friedman reports, this idea presents a number of questions and issues that will need to be resolved on the NHL's side, but having the draft in June would also solve some potential future problems if it's pushed to a later date. Plus, it would provide some much needed fresh hockey content for all of us.

Several members of the Sea Dogs could have their names called - or however they plan to announce picks in this online format - at this year's NHL Draft. Four players were listed in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings of North American skaters:

No. 18 - Jeremie Poirier
No. 99 - William Villenueve
No. 179 - Charlie DesRoches
No. 207 - Brady Burns

The Sea Dogs were tied with eight other clubs for the fifth most players ranked amongst CHL teams. From the QMJHL, the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Cape Breton Eagles each had four players listed as well.

In Craig Button's final rankings, Poirier was ranked 21st amongst all players; Villeneuve was ranked 84th; and DesRoches 103rd.

Dobber Prospects, meanwhile, took a look at a number of QMJHL players eligible for this year's draft, including Josh Lawrence.