This is a big week for Minnesota draft fanatics, as our two worst major teams begin their rebuilding processes this week.
↵On Thursday, the Timberwolves take part in their second draft with David Kahn in charge. In the first round, Minnesota holds the fourth pick, their own; Charlotte's #16, which the Wolves received from Denver during last year's draft in exchange for Ty Lawson; and Utah's #23, which Minnesota picked up from Philadelphia in a salary dump. In the second round, the Wolves have picks #45 and #56.
↵Of course, this is all subject to change, as rumors are still rife the Wolves will move up or down in the next four days. The draft is at 6:30 on Thursday at Madison Square Garden, on ESPN.
↵Over in St. Paul, the Wild are also preparing for their second draft under a new regime. GM Chuck Fletcher has referred several times to draft picks as a "currency," so this is is week to spend a little capital, as it were. Minnesota owns the ninth pick in the first round, picks #39 and #56 (from Washington in the Eric Belanger) trade in the second round, and the ninth pick in every round thereafter, through all seven rounds.
↵Here, too, more wheeling and dealing could be afoot, as the Wild's prospect cupboard is a bit bare, and Fletcher would love to re-stock. The first round of the draft is at 6:00 Friday night, broadcast live from the Staples Center on Versus. Rounds 2-7 follow on Saturday at noon, on the NHL Network.