It has been nearly two weeks since the Vancouver Canucks split open the trade market with an unexpected trade. The phones should be ringing.
When the Vancouver Canucks made the unusually early move to grab defenseman Erik Gudbranson, it reminded us that even the biggest of trades can happen at the most unexpected times.
So here at The Canuck Way, we are going to a weekly dive into the NHL trade market and see what the Canucks could pull off as the offseason rolls on. This should hopefully keep us ready and alert for even the most unexpected trades.
And with the NHL Combine wrapped up this past week, the NHL Entry draft is just two and a half weeks away. Let’s look at how the draft could see a flurry of activity involving pretty big picks.
An Overview: The Picks that are on the Block
Let’s take a look at what is explicitly available out there on the market.
According to NHL Expert Picks, the Minnesota Wild are shopping their 15th-overall selection. The Minnesota wild have been looking to move big-salary veterans to make room for free agents. Adding draft picks will certainly lubricate the process for the Wild who are looking to move depth defenseman Jonas Brodin out, as well as top-six centerman Mikael Granlund and many others.
At the end, the Wild are just looking for cap-friendly players who can help them win instantly.
The Edmonton Oilers are still messing with Jim Benning‘s psych as they hold on to the fourth-overall pick. The pick, as well as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle, have all been floated around in the rumors.
The Boston Bruins have three picks in the top 50 and they are going to be aggressive trying to add a top-four defenseman or two. They have the 14th overall, 29th overall, and the 49th overall picks, assuming that the San Jose Sharks lose to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Carolina Hurricanes are going to be the most interesting to watch as they have seven picks in the first three rounds. Their 13th-overall pick and their 21st-overall pick look pretty good, while pick No. 43 and 50 could prove to be decent assets.
Look for the Arizona Coyotes to be active with the seventh-overall pick, as they will be with the 20th overall pick.
Next: How much are Draft Picks Worth?