2006 NHL Draft [J. Mark English]

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) -

The National Hockey League will hold its annual Entry Draft Saturday evening at GM Place, with the St. Louis Blues receiving first dibs on this year's talent pool.

The Blues, who saw their 25-season playoff streak come to an end in 2005-06, hold the first-overall selection after winning the draft drawing back in April. St. Louis, which has unloaded high-priced stars Chris Pronger and Doug Weight in the past year, finished the regular season last in the NHL's overall standings with 57 points.

The top-rated prospect in the 2006 draft field is defenseman Erik Johnson, who has spent the last two seasons playing in USA Hockey's developmental program.