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Draft Picks as Valuable Trade Assets
Trade deadline season in the NHL sees draft picks become a sought-after commodity. Teams in contention for the Stanley Cup are willing to part with these picks to acquire key players, while rebuilding teams stockpile picks to build their prospect pipeline.
2024 NHL Draft Pick Changes
Starting with the trade of Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames to the Vancouver Canucks on January 31, a total of 25 picks for the upcoming NHL Draft changed hands leading up to the trade deadline. Notably, only four of these picks were in the first round and three in the second.
First-Round Picks Overview
After all was said and done, seven teams ended up with two first-round picks, six teams with none, and three teams have double-digit total picks in the upcoming draft.
Draft Picture in 2024
Looking ahead to the 2024 draft, standout prospects such as Boston University forward Macklin Celebrini and six projected top-10 defencemen generate excitement for the draft.
Noteworthy Draft Situations
Some teams stand out due to their draft pick situations. The Montreal Canadiens, with 12 total picks, including two first-rounders, have significant leverage going into the draft. General Manager Kent Hughes faces the intriguing decision of whether to leverage their picks for further young talent.
The Arizona Coyotes, amid a continuous rebuild, have amassed a multitude of draft picks over the next few years highlighted by three picks each in the second and third rounds in 2024.
The Calgary Flames remain competitive despite trading core players, retaining multiple picks in each round for the upcoming draft due to GM Craig Conroy’s strategic roster retooling.
Pittsburgh Penguins’ Draft Dilemma
The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves in a unique situation, with a conditional first-round pick tied to the Carolina Hurricanes’ playoff performance. The Penguins face concerns with minimal draft capital while having star players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin at the core.
Ottawa Senators’ Conditional Picks
The Ottawa Senators hold two conditional first-round picks this season, one stemming from a complex trade history and another due to league punishment related to a past trade mishap.
Current Draft Pick Allocation
Fifteen teams have less than the allotted seven picks for the upcoming draft, with five of them outside playoff positions. Some notable teams include the Dallas Stars and Boston Bruins, each with only three picks in the 2024 draft.
Overall, the distribution of draft picks across teams sets the stage for an intriguing 2024 NHL Draft, promising excitement and strategic maneuvering.
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