According to a report from The Athletic’s Arpon Basu, the Montreal Canadiens are going all out to try and move up a few spots in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. Currently in fifth place – a place where they will get an important player – the Habs reportedly want to move and get a potential franchise change prospect.
Basu writes:
We can also confirm a report from Radio-Canada colleague Alexandre Gascon on Wednesday morning that the Canadians are trying everything they can to move forward with the draft. The report cites their efforts to trade punts with the San Jose Sharks in fourthbut the Canadiens also contacted the Anaheim Ducks to see what it would take to move up to No. 2.
The cost alone of moving up one spot to pick #4 would be significant. But, as Basu rightly points out, “The cost is likely to be astronomical if you go from fifth to second.” However, if the Canadiens can make a trade and with that pick snatch a player from Adam Fantilli’s skill set, the acquisition of the Habs could be absolutely formidable.
Basu also explains that the organization will have to dig deep and do due diligence to determine if the cost associated with such a trade-off is the right move. He noted, “The chances of materializing the trade-off remain very slim, but the Canadians are certainly trying.”
What should Canadians give up?
As to what the Canadiens would be willing to give him Anaheim or San Jose isn’t clear, but Joel Edmondson’s name was there and the team would be willing to move on from Mike Hoffman – and they don’t want to buy out his contract. It is likely that none of these players will move the needle for such a high selection. Names like Josh Anderson and Kirby Dach will be the next level up, while prospects like Juraj Slavkofsky or Arber Xhekaj will be the kinds of names that will start the conversation for the teams with the top picks.
Next: Vegas Golden Knights: Stanley Cup champions after 6 aggressive seasons