Although the top two or three draft picks rarely ever get dealt, there seems to be a lot of chatter this season that some teams in the 3-14 range may trade spots. Here are five teams rumoured to be looking at moving their first rounder this year:
Columbus Blue Jackets, 3rd overall. Many believe the Blue Jackets will explore moving down in this year's draft in order to get a centerman. Rights to select presumptive 3rd overall pick, Jesse Puljujarvi, would be in very high demand if the pick was shopped. It's believed the Jackets are looking at 6'6 center Logan Brown, who should be available several spots lower than 3rd.
Edmonton, 4th overall. The Oilers primary target is help on the blueline, and the organization is debating trading down or trading the pick outright. The top defensemen in the draft, Olli Juolevi, Jakob Chychrun and Mikhail Sergachev, are expected to still be available a spot or two lower than where they currently sit at 4th overall. Matthew Tkachuk and Pierre-Luc Dubois, candidates at number 4, are rumoured to be high on many team's draft rankings. The Canucks, Islanders and Canadiens have been linked to this pick in talks.
Arizona, 7th overall. The Coyotes position in this year's draft is one of the most talked about, given the organization's desire to select Arizona native Auston Matthews. It doesn't sound like acquiring the first overall pick from Toronto is a realistic possibility, but rumours have emerged that the team is willing to move up or down a few spots if the guy they want is available.
Montreal, 9th overall. The Habs are rumoured to be interested in QMJHL star Pierre-Luc Dubois, but they'll likely have to move up several spots to get him. Vancouver, currently sitting at 5th overall, is a possible trade partner here.
Boston, 14th overall. Don Sweeney has repeatedly expressed his eagerness to upgrade his roster this offseason, and has made it clear his first rounder is in play. The Bruins stole the limelight at last year's draft, making several blockbuster deals and selecting three times in the first round.
On the other side of the equation, the New York Rangers are rumoured to be looking for a first round pick in this year's draft. The Rangers traded their 1st to the Coyotes, and have declared their intent to begin a rebuild/retool this offseason.
11 draft pick swaps were made during the 2015 NHL draft, and this year projects to be just as busy.
On the other side of the equation, the New York Rangers are rumoured to be looking for a first round pick in this year's draft. The Rangers traded their 1st to the Coyotes, and have declared their intent to begin a rebuild/retool this offseason.
11 draft pick swaps were made during the 2015 NHL draft, and this year projects to be just as busy.
