Three wild NHL draft day trades that could shock you
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL Draft is almost upon us. There’s been plenty of talk around the hockey world of what an unpredictable offseason this could be. Looking at the large number of RFA’s and players on the block, anything can happen.
Let’s attempt to concoct three NHL draft day trades that could shock you!
Winnipeg Jets trade Patrik Laine to the Ottawa Senators for 5th overall pick
The talk about the Winnipeg Jets trading Patrik Laine is non-stop. While there’s plenty of talk, there doesn’t seem to be any real offers yet. Ottawa has already said that the 5th overall pick is in play and the Jets know they need to build through trades and drafting. Let’s be honest, neither is a hot bed for free agents. So this could be a great fit.
The Sens who have a ton of cap space get Laine and some control since he will be an RFA next summer. Winnipeg can use the 5th overall pick to draft a top defenseman in either Jamie Drysdale or Jake Sanderson. They could also choose a center in Cole Perfetti or Marco Rossi. Maybe the Sens can send over Artem Anisimov as a sweetener.
Montreal Canadiens trade 16th overall pick to Columbus Blue Jackets for Josh Anderson and the 21st pick
Montreal said their 16th pick in the draft is available for a top six forward. That’s nice for Marc Bergevin but I don’t see anyone giving up a known commodity for a mid first round selection.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have power forward Josh Anderson whom the Canadiens were said to be interested in. The 26 year-old is an RFA with arbitration rights that Columbus may not be keen on keeping. So why not ship a potential top six forward along with the 21st overall pick to jump on to number 16.
Maybe the Jackets get wild and flip pick 16 for something else.
The Rangers trade up to 8th overall to select Anton Lundell
The Rangers will be taking winger Alexis Lafreniere with the first overall pick at the draft. However, New York is very thin down the middle and need a center.
The Sabres need to start winning to keep Jack Eichel happy and in Buffalo. It’s time to start trading for today and not tomorrow. That’s why Jeff Gorton could wheel the 22nd pick in the draft along with Pavel Buchnevich or the rights to Tony DeAngelo for the 8th overall pick.
New York would then use that to select Finnish center, Anton Lundell and pair him with Kaapo Kakko for a decade.