Imminent trade between the Canadiens and the Sharks? San Jose's GM Mike Grier just made a major statement
Late breaking news has emerged just hours before the much-anticipated 2023 National Hockey League Draft.
As we reported last week, Kent Hughes has been in serious talks with the San Jose Sharks to move up from their fifth overall pick to fourth overall.
Should they select fourth overall, the Canadiens would be able to secure the services of Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson or Will Smith, should Kent Hughes not opt for Matvei Michkov.
The transaction further opens the door for Will Smith should it be assumed Connor Bedard goes first overall, Adam Fantilli second and Leo Carlsson third.
A trade between the Canadiens and the Sharks could be a real possibility, as San Jose is open to step back!
Here's Sharks Gm Mike Grier's last statement:
It is incredibly interesting to learn that San Jose Sharks are open to making a trade in order to move down a few spots in the draft. According to sources, they are very interested in Ryan Leonard and David Reinbacher, as well as the intriguing Matvei Michkov. This explains why Kent Hughes has a real chance of making a trade with San Jose, swapping picks #4 and #5.
Last year, the Sharks had pick #11 but opted to make a trade with Arizona for picks #27, 34 and 45 - being one of the only teams to agree on such a trade. Now, much to the delight of Kent Hughes and Montreal Canadiens fans alike, it appears that he is willing to do the same this year! It all comes down to the price he is willing to pay.
Grier mentioned that he does not want to move back "too much", however with a potential trade with Montreal he would only move back one spot.
Details:
| POLL | ||
Would you trade picks 5 and 31 for the 4th pick? | ||
| Yes | 283 | 42 % |
| No | 391 | 58 % |
| List of polls | ||
