Battle of California - Kings, Sharks, and Ducks

The NHL Entry Draft is one of the most exciting times for NHL franchises, players, and fans around the world. At the same token, it is one of the most anxious, nerve racking, and uncertain times in the life of an NHL prospect. These players have been scouted, watched, ranked, and have been put on pillars by so many experts, scouts, and NHL team executives throughout the league. If a player that is set to get drafted in the first five picks and falls down the chart, uncertainty and contempt can build up in his mind. Nonetheless each team will make picks and selections in an attempt to bolster their franchise for future generations of players. The 2010 Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks are no different. A team that was once stocked with many versatile players during their Stanley Cup run, was decimated and picked apart after the season because of cap constraints and other variables.

Recently announced by the Chicago Blackhawks has been the assignment of forward Chris DiDomenico and defenseman Shawn Lalonde to the AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

With the recent trade of the newly acquired Marty Reasoner, the Chicago Blackhawks have begun the process of filling a questionable roster. The Blackhawks did acquire Jeff Taffe, but it's a fair assumption that he'll start with the Rockford Ice Hogs, the AHL affiliate of the Blackhawks.

Not too long ago it was 2006, and the Carolina Hurricanes had just defeated the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Finals. Winning goaltender and Conn Smythe winner? That would be Cam Ward. Throughout the 2005-06 season, the Hurricanes stomped through their schedule en route to compiling 112 points. Shattering team records in wins (52) and points (112), they were led by coach Peter Laviolette.