The Canadiens' first pick is worth a small fortune

The website The Athletic covers the entire NHL, with a dedicated journalist for each of the 32 teams.

Every year, they engage in a little game immediately after the draft lottery. A journalist covering a team acts as the general manager and selects who they would draft.

For the Canadiens, it's no surprise that Arpon Basu took part in the game, and he made quite a move. Basu is deeply involved with the team throughout the season, so he knows what he's talking about and understands the club's intentions.

Here are the picks made by the various journalist GMs:



Arpon Basu decided to trade the Canadiens' first pick, 5th overall, to the Calgary Flames, and here's why:


Obviously, the Canadiens need forwards, and unfortunately, the 2024 draft is richer in defensemen. What irony.

According to the exercise, the Canadiens would trade the 5th pick for Calgary's 9th pick and Vancouver's first pick obtained in the Elias Lindholm trade (to be determined).

So, the Canadiens would have three first-round picks and the opportunity to select Tij Iginla, a player they like a lot.

Personally, I wouldn't make this trade. The chances of Iginla being selected earlier and Kent Hughes being left empty-handed are too great. The GM won't take that risk.


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Le 5e choix au total du CH échangé? On connaît maintenant sa valeur