Auston Matthews is the top ranked player available, but it now appears the Leafs front office is more intrigued with adding several young players to help with the rebuilding process. Throw in a veteran that can help now and a deal makes sense.
ESPN has reported that Arizona is a logical choice, as adding a hometown product and the need for some good publicity could have the Coyotes wiling to to trade both first round selections they have this year, along with young players Christian Dvorak and Christian Fischer to make this trade happen.
The Maple Leafs would need to take a hard look at such an offer. It would give the front office three picks in the opening round and some young talent that could help now. With the team looking to change the profile of the squad with bigger players on the ice, this kind of trade could speed up the process and make Toronto a team to watch over the next five years.
The first pick isn’t the only trade rumor to hit social media in the past few days. NESN has suggested that Edmonton is also listening to calls about the fourth overall pick in the first round.
The Oilers have had several top-5 picks in the last decade and it has had little effect on the franchise winning hockey games. Trading their top choice for a veteran or two could mean a change in philosophy with the front office and a move that could help add some leadership to its group of young players.
Several rumors will hit the media between now and the time the NHL Draft actually begins and while its seems unlikely Toronto would pass on a player like Matthews, a big offer could change their minds and that could get the dominoes falling and change the whole landscape of what happens over the course of the entire first round.
