The Montreal Canadiens already have the first-overall selection in next week’s draft but it appears as though they’re trying to provide even more entertainment for the crowd at the Bell Centre. Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports that the Canadiens have called every team in the top ten trying to get a second high pick.
Montreal of course already has the 26th pick as well, one that came from the Calgary Flames in the Tyler Toffoli trade. They also have two seconds, three thirds, and three fourths, meaning they’ll be infusing their system with a huge amount of talent either way. Those mid-round picks, which remember include the first choice in each round (33rd, 66th, and 98th), could be leveraged in a deal to move up to the top ten, should they find a taker.
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher, who sits at No. 5, spoke about the potential of a trade-down scenario yesterday, and while he wouldn’t rule it out, explained how rare it is to move a pick that high. The New Jersey Devils have openly stated that they would consider moving the second-overall, though again it seems they are not actively pursuing it and would need to be blown away by an offer.
The Arizona Coyotes, Seattle Kraken, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Anaheim Ducks are the other teams in the top ten.
Sabres won’t trade #9 especially with a division rival
It’d be pretty exciting to see them add the #2 pick and add Wright and Slafkovsky.
Regardless of how things shook out in a few years I think it’s worth the shot going for two potential top end players while they don’t have a team to compete currently.
Article doesn’t suggest what would they give up to get that pick
You would think anyone not named suzuki caufield romanov and guhle are in play for that 2nd overall. And if im new jersey i say thank you but pass. I would try not to move up but instead go after so kids who might be in play. Like necas or lafreniere or see if LA is willing to move turcotte or byfield. For a now piece. Like anderson or gallagher (would have to eat alot of salary but he had chemistry with danault)
Seems like this is a deep draft, but not necessarily loaded with guaranteed stars. There’s plenty of good, functional players, but even a week before the draft, the Top 5 is still in flux. Too many question marks, too much uncertainty. Do you risk giving up assets for a kid who will be a good third liner? I wouldn’t.
Seattle seems like an interesting candidate … would depend on their opinion of the top couple of Dmen and whether one of the top 3 forwards fell to them.
That would be interesting, but Ron Francis’ body of work tells me he won’t trade that pick, even if it means adding a few more prospects from this draft to their pool.
Regardless the only way I’d do this is if I get MTL 2023 1st round pick unprotected which I just don’t see them doing
Read somewhere the Red Wings are considering a move to New Jersey’s # 2 pick if Shane Wright is available there. It would potentially cost their # 8 pick, Bertuzzi, Hronk and a 4th rounder. Seems like a reasonable cost for a talent like Wright, so I guess we shall see what comes of it
To get a top 5 pick is very difficult even in a weaker draft year. Either a star goes the other way. Or a draft pick one or two or three picks lower goes the other way with another A asset. Yzerman will need his wool blanket to complete the proposed deal. But then again … it is Stevie Yzerman.
It was ALL spit-balling on WIIM, a fan written article. And F that with giving up 4 pieces for #2 OA . The Wings are not that wealthy with talent!
Incoming Josh Anderson for 7th overall trade. Barf
They might be looking to move salary for that pick. Could very well work! I was tempted to say Josh for the Wings #8 OA, but Josh may be on the cusp of being to old for Stevie’s rebuild, and 5 yrs left. But he would be a boost for team scoring and grit.
Wings need a LD or C, the Habs do not have any C’s to spare and the only young LD NHLer is Romanov
Wings #8 for Romanov and #26????? I don’t think that will move the needle for Stevie.
Eeeesh. What’s more important, a spectacle on draft day, or IMPROVING YOUR FREAKING TEAM? We all know that what guarantees success is not a top-ten pick. It’s having a whole BUNCH of picks. That vast horde of picks will result in some stars and some useful players.
They don’t want to turn into the bruins and have by far the worst prospects in the league! Go take a look how many picks Montreal has had the past couple of years