I think with how "weak" this draft can be, it is probably best for us to just stand pat anyway. Doesn't make sense to give up all these assets when Misa is not the answer. Just continue to build the prospect pool and accumulate picks. Our time to push in chips is not yet.
A team like the Isles though, after getting a bone thrown at them with the 1st OA pick, I think they could absolutely find a way to grab all top 3 picks. Would be wild if they could do it. The constant battle of picking between Schaefer or Misa can be solved by offering San Jose Dobson for 2nd overall. Dobson would be a better fit for San Jose than Ekblad. Isles can roll with Pulock, DeAngelo/Boqvist, and Mayfield as the RDs.
For 3rd OA from Chicago, I think a player like Barzal, assuming he would be willing to waive, would waive to play with Bedard? Barzal and Bedard are both kind of C/RWs, one is a playmaker and one is a shooter. It would work out pretty well for them. Hagens would be an excellent fit for NYI, being a fan and all. The Isles could really jumpstart a quick retool in one draft if they went this route. If they continue to not play well in 2026, then they've already initiated a rebuild with 3 strong picks and can continue to sell at the deadline with Lee and Pageau.
|