It's just common sense for any team that might be in on Lindholm or Hanifin, to wait until the draft to pull it off if one of the pieces they are sending back is a 2023 1st rounder. It's exactly why so many trades happen at the draft and fewer happen before.
For one thing, all 32 GMs are going to be in the same room so if they make a trade now, there could be an opportunity cost if other opportunities arise in that environment. Plus, both sides may want to see how the actual draft starts to play out before committing to a deal. The Flames for example may decide part way through the 1st round that gambling on a 2024 1st might be better than a late 2023 1st. The other team might want to get a better idea of who might be available at their pick before trading it.
__________________
"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
|