Michoulicious
Registered User
- Dec 9, 2014
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You could say that since there is basically no consensus in the 2-10 range, it would make sense for management to trade down from #5 to #8-10 if they are comfortable their favorite player will be there anyways, getting an asset (ex a 2nd or even more) doing so, and then using that asset to either move the Winnipeg pick in the teens or package it with Winnipeg's pick for immediate help in the line-up. Of course, the trade partners need to be there.Maybe he is (playing poker face).
This is probably the last time they wil rely on the draft to aim for early elite talent, because this is the last draft where they expect to land so low. Doesn’t take a genius to understand that the Calgary-Florida pick will be traded for immediate help next season. And they will be making a serious push for the playoffs in 2025-2026 to start the cycle - even Hughes mentioned that next year’s off season will be his most important (where him and Gorton will be judged).
So by saying he could trade down, he’s letting other teams overthink what they are going to do (remember last draft, where other teams wanted to get Reinbacher). He’s not going to trade down.
Habs’ scouting team have a pretty decent idea of their top 5 already. Their board is ready. The difference right now is that there is a lot of volatility with the top 3-5. So he’s keeping everybody on their toes by saying they could trade down. They won’t. There is nothing to gain with a trade down. They are not in getting more draft picks anymore (the Peg pick will be traded for immediate help, that’s a given - modus operandi), they are slowly starting to make moves to help the club immediately.
Only my opinion? Yes! But listen to HuGo and you will see that they don’t expect to draft top 5 next season. And they are making a push to start the cycle after next season. This is it, folks. Draft geeks need to enjoy this one. Next year, I can see them trade their firsts to bulk up their top 6.
Imagine getting out of the draft with Yakemchuk AND Greentree?
This is asset management. There is ALWAYS something to gain when you get more picks, especially top 50-60 picks. These are valuable assets and teams covet them.
Just watch what Armstrong will do with all the second rounders the team accumulated in the last few years now that their ownership has money. They will become a lot stronger with just with a few trades.
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