WHA - Franchise draft exemptions announced

[Montrealer]

From the WHA's website, www.worldhockeyassociation.net -

Franchise owners in the World Hockey Association today announced their Draft Exemptions for the 2004-05 season.

Each franchise was allowed one selection prior to the NHL/AHL Free Agent Draft on July 17, 2004.

The WHA draft exemptions are:

Dallas – Brett Hull (unrestricted Free Agent)



Detroit – Chris Chelios (unrestricted Free Agent)



Florida – Martin St. Louis (restricted Free Agent)



Halifax – Glen Murray (unrestricted Free Agent)



Hamilton – Paul Kariya (unrestricted Free Agent)



Québec – Mike Ribeiro (restricted Free Agent)



Toronto – Chris Phillips (restricted Free Agent)

Each WHA team will draft 30 NHL/AHL Free Agents on July 17th, 2004 and 30 Entry Level Players on July 18th, 2004.

Boy, these are some interesting (read: weird) picks.

[blny]

They make some sense to me.

• Dallas gets a player with a marquee name in the area
• Same for Detroit
• Florida picks a guy that is hugely popular right now, and a name in that market for sure
• Halifax picks something of a local boy. Glenn is from nearby Bridgewater.
• It gets interesting from there.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

Ribeiro is a big fan favourite in Québec.

The Hamilton and Toronto picks are odd. Do these two clubs have former Leafs' head office people on staff?