Okay, I'm getting a little ahead of myself in claiming the Phoenix Coyotes for Seattle. Even if the NHL decides to move the team after tomorrow's deadline, it could be to Quebec City or Hamilton, Ontario, or even to Kansas City.

But in commenting on his new six-year $34 million contract with the team, starting goalie Mike Smith specifically stated that the location of the team was an important part of his decision to pass up the potentially higher rewards of free agency:

Communication between Smith's camp and the Coyotes was steady once the season ended, but actual negotiations were stalled while both sides awaited answers on ownership. ... Once it became clear the franchise would settle in Glendale or Seattle, whatever gap that previously existed was bridged.

"That was the main turning point in the whole negotiations," Smith said.

Presumably, Smith and his agent thought this through and spoke to reliable sources before signing a six-year contract.

In other Coyotes/Metropolitans news, the team selected high-scoring center Max Domi with 12th pick in yesterday's NHL draft. Max is the son of former NHL enforcer Tie Domi, and was only the first of four centers the Coyotes/Metropolitans selected with their six picks. The team also selected center Yan-Pavel Laplante in the third round with the 62nd pick, a pick they acquired from San Jose in exchange for forward Raffi Torres (news that apparently escaped Megan's attention as all she talks about is how she doesn't want Raffi Torres).