The NHL Draft is upon us. Not only does it promise twists and turns due to the number of discussions and potential trades, but the order of selection of prospects between second and twelfth remains a complete mystery. Here are ten issues to watch in anticipation of this event presented Friday evening.
This draft will begin after San Jose is picked first overall. Macklin Celebrini will put on the Sharks jersey, give his interviews, then the horde of Blackhawks managers and recruiters will appear on the stage. Their decision will have a huge impact on the future, in particular on the destiny of CH. If they opt for defenseman Artyom Levshunov, a forward among Ivan Demidov and Cayden Lindstrom could be available at No. 5. If it’s Demidov, and Lindstrom ends up in Columbus in fourth place, for example, the Canadian could turn to a defenseman.
In 2022, the Canadiens traded defenseman Alexander Romanov to the New York Islanders for the 13th overall pick, then dealt him to the Blackhawks, along with a third-round pick, to get Kirby Dach. In 2023, Montreal traded the 31st overall pick, obtained from the Florida Panthers for Ben Chiarot, and the 37th overall pick, in the second round, for Alex Newhook. The CH has many assets to make another transaction this year, and Kent Hughes’ phone is not ringing, confirms VP hockey operations Jeff Gorton. Simon-Olivier Lorange took part in his press briefing on Thursday and he sums up the team manager’s thoughts well here. In addition to the fifth overall pick, Montreal has the 26th, from the Winnipeg Jets for Sean Monahan, a late second-round pick, acquired from the Avalanche in the Artturi Lehkonen trade (his was traded to the Coyotes for Christian Dvorak), two third-round picks, one fourth-round pick, two fifth-round picks, one sixth-round pick and three seventh-round picks.
Ottawa will not be satisfied with the acquisition of goaltender Linus Ullmark. New boss Steve Staios has promised to do everything in his power to improve the club. Staios doesn’t appear inclined to trade away his seventh overall pick like his predecessor Pierre Dorion did in 2022 to get Alex DeBrincat, but defenseman Jakob Chychrun is on the market and if he can’t make a deal Friday or On Saturday, the Senators will undoubtedly be active on the free agent market. Who knows if a club won’t make him an irresistible offer to break into the top 10?
Flyers reportedly dealt Blue Jackets 12th overall pick, established player and 2025 first-round pick obtained from Colorado Avalanche for Sean Walker, to acquire fourth overall pick, insider claims Elliotte Friedman. The Blue Jackets reportedly want the Avalanche’s 12th, 32nd and 2025 first-round picks for their pick instead. It’s a bit of a price to pay for a rebuilding club that exceeds expectations in the regular season without participating in the playoffs.
Many clubs, including the Canadian, would knock on the door of the new CEO of the Hurricanes, Eric Tulsky, to obtain winger Martin Necas, 28 and 24 goals over the last two seasons. If the Devils are willing to sacrifice their tenth overall pick, the Hurricanes might bite, but it’ll take more than a late first-round pick.
The rumors do not want to fade away in his case. CEO Don Waddell simply responds that he does not listen to them. The Maple Leafs need reinforcements on defense. Marner flirts with 100 points per season, but has disappointed in the playoffs. He has one year left on his contract. This decision will have enormous repercussions on what happens next in Toronto. We will think twice before carrying out such a spectacular transaction, but nothing is impossible.
Aaron Ekblad, first overall pick in 2014, remains a slightly overrated defender. But he did a fantastic job in the final against Connor McDavid. 6-foot-4, 215-pound defensemen with some skill remain prized players. Ekblad, 28, will be in his final year of contract next year, at an annual salary of 7.5 million, and the Panthers would like to sell him to reduce their payroll. He was reportedly asked to submit a list of twelve clubs he would not want to play for. He has a full no-trade clause until July 1, but it changes to a partial clause as of that date. Another tough right-handed defenseman, Jacob Trouba of the Rangers, would also be available.
29-year-old goalie Juuse Saros is set to sign an eight-year, $7.74 million-per-season contract extension with the Predators. He will block the rise of young Russian prodigy Yaroslav Askarov, 11th overall pick in 2020, smoking in the American League last year. Nashville could get a lot for this boy. Among the clubs looking for a goalkeeper, there is always Toronto, Detroit, Colorado…
The second overall pick in 2016 behind Auston Matthews, Patrik Laine scored 44 goals in his second NHL season. His career has been derailed recently. He had just nine points in ten games last year before being admitted to the National League assistance program. The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking for a new nest for him. With a contract still valid for two years at an annual salary of 8.7 million, and given the uncertainty surrounding it, Columbus will not get the moon for his services. But if he can get rid of his contract, we probably won’t complain about it among the Jackets.
Rutger McGroarty has waived the Jets for next season and will return to the University of Michigan. Winnipeg hardly seems to entertain the hope of signing him subsequently and is looking for an exchange partner. The fourteenth overall pick in 2022, McGroarty, 20, had 52 points in just 36 games last year in the NCAA. He will cost at least a top 15 pick or top prospect.
He will be entitled to complete autonomy in a few days. Stamkos had 81 points, including 40 goals, last year at age 34. BriseBois seems more optimistic in the case of Victor Hedman, who still has one year of contract remaining.