Harris is arguably Montreal’s best LD prospect - and the closest to the NHL - but his decision to go back to college at this stage seems to indicate he might not want to sign with Montreal. Kulak would be a cost-efficient stop-gap for Seattle in the meantime and the 4th rounder is a sweetener for Kulak’s modest cap space (1,85M AAV).

The Jets paid a steep price for Dubois and the latter's 5M AAV contract is expiring next offseason. After an undelwhelming first season, they might consider cutting their (apparent) loss?Kotkaniemi and Lekhonen would be two young, talented, cost-controlled (RFA), middle-6 forwards to replace Dubois and Appleton in their current lineup. Picks added as incentive for Winnipeg, who might consider betting on Dubois without it.

*2023 2nd round pick (MTL) = Conditional to Lekhonen not re-signing with Winnipeg next offseason (RFA/Arbitration rights status). If Lekhonen does re-sign, 2nd rounder changes to a 3rd rounder (MTL).