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The New Jersey Devils are hosting the NHL Entry Draft this year and they're going to want to make some noise for the home town fans.
The Devils have missed the playoffs two out of the last three seasons which means changes are needed. What better time to make some than at the draft they're hosting?
If Lou Lamoriello and the Devils want to make a big splash, they could try and get their hands on a top-3 pick, currently held by Colorado, Florida and Tampa Bay respectively.
Now before I get any further, I'll note that it's very unlikely. The Devils might call about trading up, but I doubt anything will come of it. I'm speculating on what I think it would cost for the Devils to move up and make that splash should a team with a top-3 pick have interest.
Given that the Avalanche desperately need defense, I doubt they'll trade the 1st overall pick to add defense prospects when they could just draft Seth Jones. So scratch them off the list.
The Panthers and Lightning will both be drafting a forward if they keep the pick, whether it be Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, or even Aleksander Barkov.
Both teams will want a good young forward and a good young defenseman to even consider the idea of trading the pick.
So here's what I'm thinking the cost would be: Adam Henrique (re-signed) + 9th overall pick and perhaps a defense prospect like Alexander Urbom for the 2nd or 3rd overall pick.
That way, either the Panthers or Lightning get a top-6 center who's good in the playoffs, the 9th overall pick to add a top prospect to their system and potentially another defense prospect in Urbom.
Now for Devils fans in outrage, here's why something like that might actually interest the Devils. First of all, the Devils lack forward prospects with game breaker ability. Reid Boucher's probably the only guy who falls into that category. With a top-3 pick, they'll be able to get their hands on one whether it be MacKinnon or Drouin.
In MacKinnon the Devils would get a franchise center who can play in the NHL this year and be a star for years to come. He could be the guy that Ilya Kovalchuk needs to have success. In Drouin, the Devils could get a dynamic offensive player who has elite playmaking ability and could play opposite side of Kovalchuk for years to come.
Yes they'd be giving a lot, but they'd likely get the best player in the trade and an 18-year-old like MacKinnon or Drouin could really rejuvenate the team.
Should a package as suggested above interest the Panthers or Lightning, would you make the trade? Why or why not? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.
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In case you missed it,
David Clarkson is expecting a big contract offer from the Devils.
And,
Martin Brodeur has advanced to the finals in the NHL14 cover vote.
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