NHL Draft Day Trade Scenarios: 5 Deals Teams Should Consider

NHL Draft Day Trade Scenarios: 5 Deals Teams Should Consider

With three months of speculation ahead of us leading into June’s draft, fans and experts are already making predictions into possible NHL draft day trade scenarios. Given the lack of movement on February 29th, coupled with uncertainty surrounding the salary cap, the offseason promises to yield some exciting storylines.

There are several quality restricted free agents looking for pay raises this summer, suggesting offer sheets are a possibility. We also have a few big names that are expendable on the trade market, not to mention the possibilities surrounding free agency. Names such as Steven Stamkos, Eric Staal, Andrew Ladd, and Keith Yandle may headline the list,

Below are five NHL draft day trade scenarios that teams should consider heading into June’s draft:

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

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Even with Leon Draisaitl‘s production taking a recent dip, the Oilers are set 1-2 up the middle without Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. A rare luxury, Edmonton needs to target a defensemen around the same age to address the more pressing need. GM Peter Chiarelli will do this.

Whether they can find a trade partner who will do a straight up hockey deal one-for-one is unknown. One side may have to add depending on who is involved, but targets to open conversations should include:

David Savard, Columbus Blue Jackets
Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild
Nathan Beaulieu, Montreal Canadiens
Kevin Shattenkirk, St.Louis Blues

Toronto Maple Leafs

It would not be surprising if Toronto walks into the draft lottery with the best odds, yet walks away choosing 4th overall. Most of the conversation in Leafs nation stems on either end of the spectrum. Little talk exists about the possibility of being drawn 2nd or 3rd overall.

If the Maple Leafs are awarded a top three spot other than the first overall pick, Lou, Shanahan, and company have an opportunity. They can package one of their many draft picks with a player to move up and claim both 2nd and 3rd overall selections.

With Jesse Puljujarvi and Patrik Laine drawing comparisons to Corey Perry/Ryan Getzlaf, coupled with their superb World Juniors performance together – why not draft the next big duo?

More puck prose: 5 Crazy Deals That Could Happen in the Offseason

Jonathan Drouin

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On the surface, everything seems to be headed in the right direction for Drouin and the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is all part of the process to make him a tradable asset with proper value.

The Colorado Avalanche may have a reason to target Drouin. If contract negotiations with pending restricted free agent D Tyson Barrie hit a snag, or continue to progress at the snail pace we have seen thus far, the Avs may have little choice but to consider moving the offensive defender.

Past ties with former linemate Nathan MacKinnon in Halifax, and head coach Patrick Roy make Colorado the most likely suitor for Jonathan Drouin’s services.

More puck prose: Nolan Patrick Reassuring He's a First Overall Talent

Arizona Coyotes

The Yotes took a big step in 2015-16 with emerging young players such as Tobias Rieder, Max Domi, and Anthony Duclair. With names such as Dylan Strome, Christian Dvorak, and Brendan Perlini knocking on the door for NHL duties, Arizona needs to address its starting goaltender to stay competitive in a powerhouse Western Conference.

Best Targets:

Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks
Calvin Pickard, Colorado Avalanche
Joonas Korpisalo, Columbus Blue Jackets
Zachary Fucale, Montreal Canadiens
Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins
Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning

More puck prose: NHL Mock Draft 3.0: Rounds 1-7

Winnipeg Jets

With a log-jam in goal, the Winnipeg Jets have decisions to make this summer. After Connor Hellebuyck was sent to AHL Manitoba upon the return of Ondrej Pavelec, coach Paul Maurice had stated the move was simply temporary. This drew speculation that something could be done at the trade deadline – apparently a suitable deal did not exist.

There is zero percent chance that a budget team such as Winnipeg walks into the 2016-17 NHL season with Connor Hellebuyck, Michael Hutchinson, and Ondrej Pavelec all still on the payroll.

Next: NHL GM Meetings: Wrap-Up, Thoughts, Analysis

The most sensible NHL draft day trade scenario is to move Pavelec and his $3.9 million dollar cap hit with Hellebuyck poised to assume the majority of starts moving forward. If a trade partner cannot be found for Pavelec, we can expect Michael Hutchinson’s name to be dangled in conversations.

Pavelec serves best as a 1A type goalie who can assume a bulk of starts or split with another goaltender. At this point, Hutchinson is simply a backup with the ability to fill in as starter on a minimal temporary basis.