Dallas Stars could win big by trading number three pick
The Dallas Stars hold the third overall pick in next month’s NHL Entry Draft. The latest rumor has them looking to trade it away.
Thanks to last week’s draft lottery, the Dallas Stars will make their highest selection since moving to the Big D. Stars general manager Jim Nill went on NHL Radio this week to discuss it when he told his interviewers that they’d be interested in moving the pick.
"“I have talked to other teams already about possibly moving that pick, getting an established player back. It gives us a lot of options.”"
Sure, the thought of a very high draft pick is tantalizing. After one of the most disappointing season in team history, they’re looking for some help. Getting a player the caliber of forwards Gabriel Vilardi and Cody Glass or defensemen Miro Heiskanen and Cale Makar could be of huge benefit for the not-too-distant future of the club.
More from Dallas Stars
- Dallas Stars swing long odds in their favor heading into Game 6
- The Dallas Stars, Bon Jovi, and a showdown with Las Vegas (prediction)
- Dallas Stars ‘Kraken skulls’ and moving on to the Conference Final
- Dallas Stars overcoming injuries has been critical in the postseason
- Dallas Stars postseason breakdown: Jason Robertson
But the issue is, they need guys. That’s guys with an “S” at the end. That’s what makes the last half of Nill’s statement such a great idea for the Stars. Getting an established player would make way more sense right now than getting a potential great player for the future.
Before last week, their biggest need was between the pipes. But then the big trade for Ben Bishop went down and the focus became defensemen. With a pick like the third overall as a trade piece, Dallas could go out and grab a really nice piece of blue line help in the open market.
Perhaps the Los Angeles Kings might want to move up from their 11th pick and offer someone like Drew Doughty. He won the Norris Trophy following the 2015-16 season. He becomes a free agent after the 2018-19 season and is a three time All-Star. Of course, it might take a little more than a number three pick to lure him away from the Kings. But if they’re desperate enough to move into the top 10, the Dallas Stars could definitely use him.
Maybe a more realistic goal is someone like Jack Johnson from the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played all 82 games this season and ended the year with a plus-minus of 23. The one problem with this idea though is that the Blue Jackets may or may not have a second round pick to give. They have a conditional pick hanging out there for the Vancouver Canucks. Columbus has the option of giving it away in either this season’s draft or next. They have to make a decision on this pick before making any kind of a trade.
Next: Stars and Bishop are a great combination
With either of these moves, the Stars could find themselves with three first round draft picks and a quality player to boot. By playing their cards the right way, they can really bolster their farm system while also adding an impact player for 2017-18. And with a new (well, somewhat) head coach on the bench with them, they could be set up for success this next season.