Trade involving the CH's 5th overall pick: a proposal with the Coyotes just surfaced

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Julien Trekker
May 22, 2023 (2:15 PM)

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In the last few minutes, as reported by our colleagues at Marqueur.com, a trade proposal has surfaced involving the Montreal Canadiens and the Arizona Coyotes.

Let's play along and discuss.

The proposal likely comes from the following two pieces of information:

1- The Canadiens are interested in a few players who may possibly be available at the 12th overall pick, leading many experts to suggest that they trade back a bit in the draft.

2- All indications point to star forward Clayton Keller's days being numbered in Arizona.

Even though these are just suggestions, it's always fun to play along and put ourselves in the shoes of the Montreal Canadiens' general manager.

This one comes from "Hockey Night In Montreal." Here's the proposed trade:

"The Montreal Canadiens would receive:

Clayton Keller
The 12th overall pick

The Arizona Coyotes would receive:

Josh Anderson
The 5th overall pick
A second-round pick."

According to fan responses, 48% believe the Canadiens should decline, 31% believe the Coyotes should decline, and 21% consider it a fair trade!

Essentially, Kent Hughes would be trading Josh Anderson and a second-round pick in exchange for Clayton Keller, along with moving back seven positions in the draft.

Would you do it?

Keller is an impressive player, but we'll have to wait and see who will be available at the fifth overall pick.

Keller, 24 years old, had a very solid season with 37 goals and 49 assists (86 points in 82 games). He earns $7.1 million per year.

Personally, we would do it under one condition.

We would make the trade, especially if the following situation arises: Bedard, Fantilli, Carlsson, and Smith are no longer available at the 5th pick, and the Canadiens don't want Michkov.

If Dvorsky is the Canadiens' choice at the 5th spot, we would make this transaction with the Coyotes.

Would you?

Credit: Marqueur.com