On trading NHL draft picks …
Craig Custance of ESPN: This years draft class isn’t lining up to be as good as it has in past years. Last year only one first round pick was traded at the deadline – the Blackhawks sending their pick to Winnipeg for Andrew Ladd.
“It’s a whole new world. It’s a little bit of a down year,” said an assistant GM. “Do you like defensemen? Do you want to get a forward? You’re going to have to work, figure out what you want, what your team needs and maybe make a pick that is not as clear-cut as last year, especially in the first round.”
One scouting director said a player from one team’s top 10 could fall into the 20’s.
In past years, teams have been moving second round picks as opposed for first round picks.
If a team moves a first pick this year, they may be looking to get a player that has some term left on their deal as opposed to a rental.
“If there was a player we thought could help us, I’d have no problem moving a first,” said a Western Conference executive. “I think if the deal is there, I’d do it. I wouldn’t be doing it for a 30-year-old, but I would for a 26- to 28-year-old with a year left on their contract.”
“I’d be willing to move a first, but not for a rental,” said an Eastern Conference GM. “If a player is young and would fit with our group moving forward.”
Players like Matt Duchene and Gabriel Landeskog could net the Avs a first round pick in a package.
The St. Louis Blues would likely want to get a player that could help them now if they were to move Kevin Shattenkirk.
The Arizona Coyotes are looking for players who are, or are close to being NHL ready.
If Stars are out of it by the deadline, they could create a rental package of Patrick Sharp and Johnny Oduya that might land them a first round pick.
