Should the Rangers trade up for Carolina’s #2 pick overall in the draft
Andrei Svechnikov (Barrie Colts)
If you haven’t heard the latest rumor rumblings out there, the Carolina Hurricanes are willing to listen to offers for the #2 pick in this year’s NHL draft. A pick that will likely be between two future star forwards in Filip Zadina and Andrei Svechnikov.
Carolina is a Mess
The Canes are in disarray to say the least. They don’t have a coach or GM, they relieved Ron Francis of his responsibilities and have brought in Rick Dudley to take over hockey operations. Now hockey insiders like Bob McKenzie have noted that the Hurricanes are open to trading the # 2 overall pick in this draft.
Why? First off, what the Canes need most is a #1 center and a star goalie. Any thoughts of signing UFA, John Tavares should be thrown out the door. The other issue is that both Zadina and Svechnikov are wingers, taking a C, like Oliver Wahlstrom makes no sense at #2, so trading down is a great option.
A Bevy of Suitors
If Carolina is really serious about trading their pick, almost everyone below them will try and make an offer. Although the most serious ones will come from anyone slotted between 5-10. What will it take is most interesting and the Rangers have to decide if they are willing to part with Mika Zibanejad.
Of course, that is a big risk unless you can replace Zibanejad with an upgrade like John Tavares in July. If so, packing Zibanejad with the #9 pick for the #2 overall is a move the Rangers have to consider. The problem, the draft takes place before the bell rings on Free Agents. It would be a big bold move but a winger like Svechnikov is worth it. He has perennial “Rocket Richard” candidate written all over him and the risk could be worth the reward.
Shockingly with the recent additions of Filip Chytil, Lias Andersson, and Vlad Namestnikov the Blueshirts have talent in the middle. Throw in Hayes and you have at least 4 centers in the lineup. It would be a big bold move and one that could either slow this rebuild down or accelerate beyond belief.
Would you do it? Sound off in the comments below.
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