NHL Draft: Teams that may spice things up with a trade
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL Draft is set to begin on Thursday, July 7, at 7 PM ET. Montreal will host to the two-day event at the Bell Centre with the Canadiens holding the first overall pick in the draft.
The city had been scheduled to host the draft in 2020, but the event was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic instead, as it was in 2021. Here’s a look at final draft order for round-one.
- Montreal Canadiens
- New Jersey Devils
- Arizona Coyotes
- Seattle Kraken
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Columbus Blue Jackets (via Chicago Blackhawks)
- Ottawa Senators
- Detroit Red Wings
- Buffalo Sabres
- Anaheim Ducks
- San Jose Sharks
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- New York Islanders
- Winnipeg Jets
- Vancouver Canucks
- Buffalo Sabres (via Vegas Golden Knights)
- Nashville Predators
- Dallas Stars
- Minnesota Wild (via LA Kings)
- Washington Capitals
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Anaheim Ducks (via Boston Bruins)
- St. Louis Blues
- Minnesota Wild
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Montreal Canadiens (via Calgary Flames)
- Arizona Coyotes (from Carolina Hurricanes via Montreal Canadiens)
- Buffalo Sabres (via Florida Panthers)
- Edmonton Oilers
- Winnipeg Jets (via New York Rangers)
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Arizona Coyotes (via Colorado Avalanche)
Teams to watch at the NHL Draft
Montreal Canadiens: Multiple reports suggest that the Montreal Canadiens are still undecided on who they may select. Apparently, they are not sure if they should select Shane Wright, Juraj Slafkovsky or Logan Cooley. All three forwards are worthy picks but I believe Wright will be the choice. Aside from that, the real intrigue is a rumor that the Habs want to trade for another top 10 pick in the draft. The Habs’ have assets they can trade including the 26th pick of the draft and either Josh Anderson or Jeff Petry to make something happen.
New Jersey Devils: General Manager Tom Fitzgerald is considering making a big move by trading his first round pick. I’m open to whatever can help our team improve,” he said. “If that is using a pick like that, wherever it may be, to help bring in a player that we know, and feel, will help impact the results that we are looking for, absolutely.” Many felt that “player” was Kevin Fiala, but he was traded to the Kings. Is there someone else out there that fits the bill?
Chicago Blackhawks: Currently the Blackhawks have no first round pick after the Seth Jones trade last season. They could make the biggest noise if Alex DeBrincat is indeed going to be traded. Recently, the Philadelphia Flyers were rumored to be one of the teams most interested in acquiring him. They hold the number five pick overall, but what if the Devils feel DeBrincat is the player they would give up the number two pick for.
Ottawa Senators: GM Pierre Dorion is ready for his young team filled with stars like Brady Tkachuck, Thomas Chabot, and Tim Stutzle to compete. He currently holds the 7th overall pick in the draft and is looking to trade it for a player that can help now.
