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Every year, June turns out to be one of the most exciting months for fans and athletes alike. Not only are the dreams of superstars and journeymen alike met in the NBA and NHL finals, but drafts galore as well.

Young baseball players who grew up playing catch with their dads on the road in front of their house or at the local park have a chance to be drafted into their favorite team's system; a kid who spends his nights out on the basketball court dreaming to be Michael Jordan can finally get his shot at the NBA; and all of those hours spent on a backyard rink finally pay off, as the parents who drove their kids to the rink in the wee hours of a Saturday morning can watch him walk onto the stage at the NHL draft.

While many argue that June may not be the best month for sports, it is certainly one that offers us the deepest look into the future of our favorite games.

But while those players are grasping their dreams, for some if only for a moment, the teams that have to make these decisions are trudging through their own nightmares.

Some have ownership questions, while others have to wonder if there will even be a team come next season. There are franchises in disarray, discontent, and disassembling left, right, and center.

Some have decided what they're going to do at this time of year, while other teams are having their hands forced.

With that being said, here are the 10 franchises (in no specific order) that will be worth watching for one reason or another at this weekend's NHL Entry Draft.

 

1) The San Jose Sharks

If the rumors are true, then a shakeup is coming to the Shark Tank this offseason.

Just like last year, word is that Patrick Marleau is available, and just like last year, many are predicting he'll be out of town by the end of the weekend.

Take that for what it's worth.

Evgeni Nabokov has also had his name come up in various rumors, but the chances on that are relatively low, while the name garnering the most interest so far is Ryan Clowe.

 

2) The Tampa Bay Lightning

While the soap opera in Phoenix is getting the most attention, many need to look no further than Len Barrie and Oren Koules' recent soap opera, leaving general manager Brian Lawton in a very awkward situation.

Side note: On the bright side, Tampa Bay has two of something that Phoenix can't even get one of—money-grubbing owners who make ridiculous hockey decisions and double-cross everyone they've ever come in contact with.

Actually...maybe Phoenix is better off being owned by the league. Or the bank. Hell, even Kenny Mayne would probably make a better owner for the 'Yotes.

After all, Mayne did write a book on sports. I've read it. Buy it.

And if they give Mayne the team, maybe he makes Bill Simmons GM!!! It's a Win-Win!!

Not only is current captain Vincent Lecavalier up for grabs, with the most-talked about destination being Montreal, but the second overall pick of this year's draft could be had for a price as well, depending on what happens with the New York Islanders.

Speaking of the fishermen...

 

3) The New York Islanders

New York is in an enviable position: They have what everyone wants and covets in the first overall selection.

The fact that so many people exploded at Brian Burke's announcement after the Draft Lottery that he wanted to move up was silly. Fact is, most teams would try to pry that pick away from the Islanders, whether they were going for John Tavares or Victor Hedman (or Matt Duchene...).

The Islanders simply have the most speculation surrounding what they'll do: The fans (and apparently nearly 18,000 of them are attending the Draft Party) are gunning for Tavares, the scouts are saying the Isles' best bet is Hedman, and apparently there are a few New York media members reporting the Isles' interest in Duchene.

Then you've got to remember that they own a second first round pick at No. 26, which everyone overlooks.

Who knows? That might be trade bait.

 

4. The Montreal Canadiens

Big whoop. The draft is in Montreal, they're rumored to be the front-runners for Lecavalier, and their four big-name free agent forwards are still unsigned.

If the Habs don't do something at the draft, I wouldn't be surprised to see the fans of Montreal riot on Jacques Martin.

Maybe they can trade him back to Ottawa for Dany Heatley.

 

5. The Ottawa Senators

Speaking of the Sens and Heatley, the rumors continue to swirl.

There have been reports of as many as seven teams being interested in Heatley, while some reports have said that the list is down to four teams. Then again, depending on who you listen to, some think Heatley to the New York Rangers is a foregone conclusion.

The package the Sens get in return will be interesting to say the least. With Heatley's request of a trade, Sens management is put in an awkward position, having to deal a player that the rest of the league knows doesn't want to be there.

Perhaps the Sens can squeeze a little leverage out of the situation and acquire another draft pick to go along with a potential prospect.

 

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