Canadiens Have Means to Trade Up For Second Overall

The Montreal Canadiens will be the center of the hockey world at the 2022 Upper Deck NHL Draft. The Bell Centre is set to host the event that is expected to have an amazing atmosphere.

Not only do the Canadiens own the first-overall pick in the draft, they own a total of 10 picks in the first four rounds and 14 picks overall. Couple that with the current state of their roster and you have a team that is open for business.

Since the Canadiens are the hosts, what better way to treat your fans to an unforgettable night than to make one of the most impactful trades in recent draft memory? Given what they have assets wise, not only could they pull off a huge trade, they have the assets available in order to make a strong play at the second-overall pick held by the New Jersey Devils. There’s no question GM Kent Hughes is looking for something big to happen if possible.

Setting the Scene

This requires us to set the scene for you. In normal circumstances, the team holding the first pick usually isn’t in a position to acquire the second pick. That would involve a huge package of top-end NHL ready players coupled with a top prospect and meaningful draft picks.

In addition, the team holding the second pick has to show that they’re willing to trade the second pick. The odds usually favor the team making the pick in that spot. But this one is different. The Devils are willing to listen to offers for the second pick. The question is why.

For the Devils, it’s pretty simple. They have top high-end centers in Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier to build around. They need now help. While drafting a great player second-overall could provide that help, they at least have to listen to see what’s out on the market. There exists a chance that a trade package comes together that would be enough to get them to trade the pick.

TRADE TARGETS 🎯: #Blackhawks 41-goal scorer Alex DeBrincat leads off the first board of the summer as the No. 1 player available.
Here are @DailyFaceoff‘s 25 names in play with exactly 5 weeks until the #NHLDraft:
https://t.co/JTDhFISc45

Because the Canadiens have a lot of assets at their disposal, they can make this happen. In fact, there are two paths they could try to go down with the Devils. The question ultimately will be would the Devils say yes. Let’s look at those two options.

First Scenario

The Canadiens acquire the…