Going into any NHL draft, one of the interesting questions is always whether there will be any wheeling and dealing during the first round. Trade talks and rumors make the anticipation of the NHL Entry Draft reach a fever pitch for hockey fans. Regrading 2016, there are numerous trade possibilities at the draft.
Trade Possibilities at the NHL Draft
Edmonton #4
As everyone in the hockey universe knows, the Edmonton Oilers are loaded with young forwards. In a perfect world Edmonton would like to draft a potential impact player on the blueline. After the first big three selections are made in this year’s draft, the next set of players are ranked at the forward position. This trio includes Matthew Tkachuk, Pierre-Luc Dubois and Alexander Nylander.
If Edmonton were to slide down anywhere between the seventh and ninth selections they could land a young stud defenseman and pick up additional assets. Ideally the Oilers would like to acquire a player who can help them next year and be on the blueline.
Two potential trading partners to watch out for are the Arizona Coyotes at seven and the Montreal Canadiens at nine. If Edmonton moves down to this part of the draft they still should be able to select one of the top three defenseman in this draft in Jacob Chychrun, Mikhail Sergachev or Olli Juolevi.
https://twitter.com/NicholsOnHockey/status/729869015351328768
Coyotes # 7
This will in all likelihood be the first big moment for the new Coyotes regime. The new tandem still includes Coach Dave Tippett but now also includes 26-year-old General Manager John Chayka. The big question is: When Edmonton goes on the clock with the 4th overall selection, does the new Coyotes brain trust try to trade up and make a big splash?
One of the most popular players in Coyotes history is Keith Tkachuk. Unless something bizarre happens, his son Matthew will be on the board when Edmonton’s turn comes up. The younger Tkachuk is a scorer who is a gifted skater, who also plays with an edge. Sound familiar?
How much will the Coyotes think-tank and ownership want to make the Tkachuk splash? The powers that be in Arizona need to get the fan base excited. How much will analytics dictate this selection? It’s well know that Mr. Chayka was hired and promoted by ownership because of his analytics knowledge. Finally, who has final say between Tippett, Chayka, and ownership?
I'm sure the new GM from Arizona will be calling the Oilers to talk about a No. 4 for No. 7 deal. The Coyotes could use Tkachuk.
— Kevin Allen (@ByKevinAllen) May 1, 2016
Open for Business
There are also three teams who have two 1st round selections that I would keep an eye out for in regards to draft day trades. There a number of teams dealing with cap issues as well as potential expansion draft situations in the near future. Arizona at 20th (from the New York Rangers), Carolina at 21st (from the Los Angeles Kings) and Winnipeg at 22nd (from Chicago) could be open for business.
The Coyotes NHL roster most certainly could use a boost. Using the 20th overall selection to land an established young player could be a very wise move for Arizona. However, two big questions come up. First, will ownership be committed to spending money? Second, once again, will John Chayka be focused on his analytics charts or improving his NHL hockey team? Keep in mind, the Coyotes have this pick because former general manager Don Maloney committed grand larceny from the trade he made with the New York Rangers in the Keith Yandle deal.
The Carolina Hurricanes are trying to make it work in Raleigh. The best way to do that is have a playoff team for the 2016-17 season. Thanks to the deal last year with the L.A. Kings that sent Andrej Sekera out west, Carolina has the 21st overall selection. Eric Staal is gone and it’s unlikely the Hurricanes will make a big free agent signing. Using their second 1st round pick as trade bait to acquire a solid all-around forward from a cap-strapped team would be a shrewd move by GM Ron Francis. Is Andrew Shaw of the Chicago Blackhawks a possibility?
One of the biggest winners at the NHL lottery were the Winnipeg Jets. They went from the sixth position to the second overall pick in the draft. Everyone knows that general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will be selecting Patrik Laine with that selection but what about the second 1st round pick the Jets have from the Andrew Ladd trade with Chicago? Like the Hurricanes, it’s unlikely the Jets will nab a big player in free agency. Winnipeg has one of the top prospect pools in the sport (according to Hockey’s Future) and are in prime position to dangle their later 1st round pick.
One thing is for sure, the first round at the NHL entry draft should be very exciting.
Main Photo:
