The Sutter name has been uttered often around Columbus, where the 2007 National Hockey League entry draft will be held Friday and Saturday.

Whispers indicated that Brian Sutter has talked with the New Jersey Devils about their vacant coaching position, but nobody knows how serious the discussions have been.

It also is believed that Calgary Flames general manager Darryl Sutter has been talking to the Chicago Blackhawks about acquiring Adrian Aucoin. The veteran defenceman scored a career-high 23 goals with the 1998-99 Vancouver Canucks, when Mike Keenan, the new Calgary coach, was behind the Canucks bench before being replaced mid-season by Marc Crawford.

Meanwhile, all eyes in the Sutter family will be on Brent's son Brandon Friday evening. The robust forward has been rated 28th among North American skaters, but he could sneak into the top-10.