Trade talks involving draft picks should start to pick up
NHL Media: Elliotte Friedman said now that teams have a better idea of the draft slots, trade talk could start to pick up. Teams will have their draft divisions, and now they know which teams will be drafting in those positions.
Host: “It's probably not the best free agent market this summer, teams will be quick to make moves here.
Friedman: “Well, it's always difficult, because there are teams in the playoffs, Michael, but I think once the playoff position is known, things move on. Now, at least you know where everyone is looking.”
And, like there are draft tiers, and I'm not an expert on this, Michael, I don't follow a prospect that close. But I was talking to two of our guys who are really doing it, Jason Bukala and Sam Constantino. And Sam is the same, he has a group from 1 to 6 and then six to 12. Then Bukala's got like 1 to 4 and 4 to 9 and 9 to 15.
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So, how do teams see it? And now, you know, you know, who else. You know who the two are. You know who the three are. You know, you're thinking about where to start calling. Ok, if I want to move, how much will it cost? And you know, things like that.
Like, I think, I don't know if you're going to see trades now, it's because not everybody is set and not everybody is stable. But at least people are starting to act on their own, Michael, about, 'Okay, I know this person is three years old. I think one and two would like this guy, if I want to get to three. Okay, let's do my introductory interview and see what you think.' So I think you will succeed. “
Four potential trade targets for the New Jersey Devils if they dangle the No. 1 pick. 12
James Nichols of NJ Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils hold the 12th overall pick in the 2026 NHL draft, and they must hang on aggressively for a top-six player. They will look to add some size to their lineup as well. Looking at some potential candidates.
Matthew Knies – Toronto Maple Leafs – Which way will they go – rebuild or retool? What about the future of Auston Matthews? The Devils showed interest at the trade deadline. The Maple Leafs are looking to replace their blue line. He can give No. 12 and Simon Nemec.
Jordan Kyrou – St. Louis Blues – The Blues also hold the No. 11 and 15 options. Kyrou would fit well with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.
Jason Robertson – Dallas Stars – A pending RFA in line for a massive contract. The Stars don't have a first-round pick, and could use a right fielder. It can be number 12, Nemec, and so on.
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Alex DeBrincat – Detroit Red Wings – Would the Wings like to go back to the first round after sending their pick to the Blues for Justin Faulk. He has one year left at $7.875 million, and is a three-time 40-goal scorer.
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