2024 NHL Draft: 5 teams who could end up trading their first-round pick

By Evan Bell

Modified Jun 27, 2024 20:05 GMT

The NHL Draft will kick off on Friday, with round one action set to take place in Las Vegas before rounds 2-7 on the following night. With time winding down, teams are likely finalizing their draft boards behind the scenes.

At the same time, teams around the league are also working to finalize extensions ahead of the start of free agency on July 1.

With several teams in win-now mode, and others looking to part ways with aging stars, we could see some big trades involving draft picks. For example, the Boston Bruins recently shipped their first-round pick to Ottawa in exchange for Vezina Trophy winner Linus Ullmark earlier in the week.

Despite that, there are still several teams to keep an eye on as we approach the draft, who could opt to trade away their first-round picks. In addition, there's also an opportunity for teams to trade up in the draft, or, in some cases, trade down in the NHL Draft.

With that in mind, let's take a look at five teams who could end up trading away their first-round picks.

Five teams who could trade their first-round picks in the NHL Draft

#5 Minnesota Wild

NHL: Minnesota Wild at Colorado Avalanche

According to NHL insider Michael Russo, the Wild are more likely to move down in the draft rather than trade up. Using the 13th overall pick, the team could fetch a good deal in the open market, which would allow them to bolster their existing roster.

Despite that, Wild scouting executive Judd Brackett recently indicated that he feels the team is in a good spot heading into the draft. As a result, a move is far from a guarantee.

#4 New York Islanders

NHL: Stadium Series-New York Rangers at New York Islanders

Heading into the 2024 NHL Draft, the Islanders are in need of wingers. Given that this summer's free agency class has a number of notable wingers on the list, the team could look to trade away their 20th overall pick.

In addition, the team notably doesn't have much cap room to maneuver once free agency opens up. As a result, look for the team to potentially use their draft assets in order to land a winger before the start of the draft.

#3 New Jersey Devils

NHL: New Jersey Devils at Toronto Maple Leafs

After acquiring a 2025 first-rounder as part of the Jacob Markstrom-Kevin Bahl trade, the Devils could look to part ways with their No. 10 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Several needs stick out as the team looks to improve their roster following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

The main focus for the team this offseason after acquiring Markstrom will be improving their forwards. If the team can find a suitor willing to send them a talented forward, they very well may ship the 10th pick.

#2 Montreal Canadiens

NHL: Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators

The Montreal Canadiens are sitting pretty ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft despite struggling last season. The team currently is sitting on the fifth and the 26th pick in the first round. Given that, it wouldn't be surprising to see them shop around the latter between now and the start of the NHL Draft.

As GM Pat Verbeek has indicated, his focus is on landing a defenseman and a forward. Given that the team has several young forwards, the most likely scenario is that they look to acquire a defenseman with the fifth pick and trade the 26th.

#1 Nashville Predators

NHL: Nashville Predators at Chicago Blackhawks

The Nashville Predators are trying to improve their roster after a first-round exit from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With GM Barry Trotz making it clear that the team's focus is on re-signing Juuse Saros, the team is looking to win now.

Given that, rather than using their 22nd pick to acquire a player to develop, the team will likely look to package the pick with other assets to improve their roster.