Trade Market: Major statement concerning the possibility that Kent Hughes trades the 5th overall pick
Journalist Eric Engels, who covers the Montreal Canadiens' activities on a daily basis, has just made a significant statement about Kent Hughes's intentions regarding the 5th overall pick.
Indeed, in a text published a few hours ago, Engels confirmed that he has been hearing increasingly that Kent Hughes might trade the 5th overall pick in order to be able to select two players among the first 20 selections of the draft. Of course, this scenario could only happen if the Habs are unable to move up a few spots by June 28th.
According to statements made by Eric Engels, General Manager Kent Hughes is still trying to move up to get his hands on Leo Carlsson or Will Smith. However, if the Habs can't pull off a trade with the Sharks, the Blue Jackets or even the Ducks, Hughes would like to maximize the value of his 5th pick by getting a second first-round pick.
By moving back between the 8th and 10th spot, the Canadiens could possibly select Ryan Leonard or David Reinbacher and also add a very promising prospect between the 15th and 20th spot. This could be a very interesting strategy if the Habs believe that the targeted player will still be available a little later.
Among the teams that have two first-round picks, including one in the top 10, we notably find the Arizona Coyotes (6th and 12th), the Philadelphia Flyers (7th and 22nd) and the Detroit Red Wings (9th and 17th).
Personally, if Kent Hughes does not plan to select Matvei Michkov and if Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson and Will Smith are already selected, this strategy could be very beneficial for the organization, which could get their hands on two prospects with very interesting potential.
One thing is for sure, Kent Hughes is currently working very hard to improve his lot for the draft. Whether it's by making a trade to draft between the 2nd and 4th spot, or by trading the 5th overall pick to get an additional first-round pick, one cannot blame the Canadiens' general manager for evaluating all the options available to him.
Sources : Sportsnet
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Do you believe that Kent Hughes should trade the 5th overall pick to obtain two choices in the first 20 selections of the draft? | ||
| Yes | 40 | 28.6 % |
| No | 100 | 71.4 % |
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