Maple Leafs Among 3 Teams Open to Trading Top Picks in This Year’s Draft

It seems wild to think that teams would want to move out of the top selections in this year’s NHL Entry Draft, but such is the reality when the draft is deep, the picks aren’t obvious, and there’s profit to be gained by moving down.

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks are all open to moving down. He writes:

“Not that the Maple Leafs are intent on moving the No. 1 pick, but new general manager John Chayka also isn’t hanging up the phone if and when teams call. Why would he? If a team steps up in a meaningful way with the kind of package that helps the Leafs get back in contention, Chayka will at least listen, according to league sources.”

Will Toronto ultimately move the pick? LeBrun didn’t think so.

He adds, “The San Jose Sharks, meanwhile, are far enough along in their rebuild that GM Mike Grier is absolutely open to moving the No. 2 pick, depending on the offers, per league sources.”

He also notes:

“Same goes with Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson and the No. 4 pick. Chicago views the pick as a heck of an asset, given the talent available in the top five, so it would be need to be a darn good NHL player to move it, but the Blackhawks are open to it, per league sources.”

Gavin McKenna recently talked about what an honor it would be to be drafted by the Leafs, and he’s heard great things about the “largest hockey market in the world.” It be hard to imagine Toronto passing up on the opportunity to take McKenna.

As for the Sharks or Blackhawks, LeBrun notes, “We’ll see if any team makes San Jose or Chicago blink.”

As for who is looking to move up in the draft and could dangle a package strong enough to make one of these three teams consider? Watch for the St. Louis Blues. Word is they’re looking to move up and make a splash.

Next: Insider Says Maple Leafs Top Defenseman “Softening” On Earlier Trade Stance