Quoting: phillyjabroni
I'm not suggesting taking Kotkaniemi at 3rd overall - just because there is speculation that they are taking him, doesn't mean that they are. Any pick after 1-2 is up for debate as to where the chips all fall.
I don't think they make the deal out of the sake of making the deal. If they want to draft him, they should move down. That could be to 8, as you suggested. If they are going to do that, they need to have a return that is more valuable to them than the security of taking Kotkaniemi at 3rd overall. Just parlaying a middle-six center and a winger that doesn't have a ton of upside won't get you to move up. It would need to include something of value (other draft assets, for example).
I find it interesting that Montreal needs natural centers then questions fair trades that get them what they need.... In this scenario they walk away with the best center in the draft that has sure-fire #1C potential and a decent #2C or "elite" #3C and a very fast winger with good hands and decent potential to move back 5 spots in the draft...
That Montreal trade is more than fair......... TBH, in hindsight I don't know why the Hawks do it because I think Wahlstrom is in the same league as Svechnikov and Zadina.... And I would be thrilled if the Hawks landed Wahlstrom, he would fit right into the Hawks top 6, and I think he has superstar potential... He's similar to Ovechkin, so how do you pass on that?
Anisimov on his own is worth a late first round pick or perhaps (2) second round picks..
I have no idea what Duclair is worth..... Seems like he has the skills and talent to be a top 6 winger but the kid cant finish.... If I was offered a 2nd for his rights, I would take that all day..
Besides, these hypothetical trades area what I would want if GM's contacted me about said players...... I mean it's not like these teams are getting ripped off. Some fans may not like the trades but value wise it's close.....
Wonder what people would say had I posted a Domi straight up for Galchenyuk.... I'm sure many would say: "that doesn't make sense, why would the Habs do that for a bust of a prospect".