Columbus Blue Jackets: Three Trade Proposals for Pick #3

Fans of the Montreal Canadiens have started to join into the discussion as well. Their team actually has some assets that might push a trade like this over the edge. But realistically, the Canadiens aren’t going to want to do what it takes to make the deal.

Montreal Canadiens – their young captain. To move up two picks in the draft? Well, yes, that’s what the cost is going to be. By trading down two spots, the Jackets likely take themselves out of the opportunity to draft one of the top centers in this draft. By forcing that risk onto the Jackets, the Canadiens have to pay the piper – by giving up their own first line center, and captain.

Why it works: For the Blue Jackets, this works fine. They’ll thrust themselves into competing for playoff spots for the foreseeable future, after adding one of the best young two-way pivots in the game. He has a great contract, too. They’re fine picking 5th overall with this in mind, and will gladly pick whichever top-5 prospect falls into their laps. They can now play the patient game with this pick.

Why it doesn’t: Because Montreal is no closer to trading away their franchise player than any other team in the league. The Canadiens are a talented young group, that is just starting to assemble their core pieces. Why would they blow that up to get a little bit younger and set themselves back a few years? It just doesn’t make sense.

But, in my opinion, if you want to look at the cost of doing business, this is what it will take for Montreal to move up 2 spots. They don’t have any other top line centers they can throw our way, and you know Jarmo Kekalainen isn’t answering the phone unless the #5 overall pick is involved.