Just over a week after the conclusion of the sports betting Stanley Cup finals, the NHL will once again be front and center on Friday June 24, as the annual first year player entry draft takes place. This year’s draft is one of the more intriguing drafts in recent memory, as no particular player actually stands out, but there is plenty of depth. With roughly four betting online days till draft day, here is a preview and some predictions for the NHL Draft on Friday.

The Edmonton Oilers will finally move out of the basement – After bottoming out for the last two years, the Edmonton Oilers appear to be moving in the right direction. Last year, the Oilers drafted Taylor Hall with the first overall selection in the draft. This year, the Oilers have an incredible, three drafts picks in the first round alone. To put this into perspective, that is like drafting three potential top line forwards. Along with Ryan Smyth from the LA Kings wanting to return to Edmonton, the Oilers appear to be in prime position to move out of the basement.

Toronto Maple Leafs move up in draft – As we noted earlier, the Edmonton Oilers have three picks in the first round of the draft. The Toronto Maple Leafs on the other hand has two picks, and is willing to move up in the draft. Look for the Leafs and Oilers to make a deal on draft day, allowing the Leafs to move up in the draft, to acquire a center. With speculation that Sean Couturier may drop below the Top 10, the Maple Leafs may be able to move up to draft the Drummondville star compared to Brad Richards.

Brad Richards Traded on Draft Day – After news came out a few months ago that the Dallas Stars will reportedly not resign Brad Richards, look for GM Joe Nieuwendyk to trade the veteran center for a chance to move up in the draft. Richards is seen by many to be the star of the free agency period set for next weekend.