Live from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft from Las Vegas, Nevada and we had our first trade. The Philadelphia Flyers announced a trade at their 12th overall draft selection. The Flyers completed the trade with the Minnesota Wild for the 12th pick, Zeev Buium, in exchange for the 13th pick, Jett Luchanko, and a 2025 third rounder is included.
Moved back one spot and we're BACK on the clock. #NHLDraft | #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/AuUmZ5WiAy
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) June 29, 2024
The Minnesota Wild Move Up One Position in Trade With Philadelphia Flyers
General Managers Daniel Briere and Bill Guerin must have been playing chess instead of checkers. Clearly, the Wild had established their target and it was too good to pass up. Acquiring Zeev Buium for ultimately Jett Luchanko by trade could indeed payoff in spades.
A Trade of Zeev Buium for Jett Luchanko
He is a left shot, who played at the University of Denver Pioneers. Buium set an incredible record with the second most points all-time in a single season (50) by an NCAA defenceman. This was above great names like Cale Makar (49) and Adam Fox (48). Furthermore, in terms of the greatness of the move by Guerin, this could set up the dream pairing with Brock Faber. Faber excelled in his first year with the Wild in 2023-24, with eight goals and 39 assists, for 47 points, playing an amazing 24:58 a night.
How the Flyers Made Out in this Swap
Now, when we switched to the Flyers pick, it is possible they had their name cherrypicked from further down the board. Regardless, it was a special moment as they invited a special guest down for the selection. It was none other than former boxing ringside announcer, Michael Buffer. The trade giving up on Zeev Buium was for Jett Luchanko. And this made Luchanko the Flyers 13th overall selection in the draft. However, on many trade boards, he was rated much lower. Luchanko led his junior team in scoring, the Guelph Storm of the OHL, with 74 points. He is a very strong competitor. Clearly, the Flyers coveted him, and his level of compete is likely the reason why. Maybe true on a lot of the top selections like Tij Iginla or Carter Yakemchuk, just tough players to play against.
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
