Sportsnet Proposes a Major Trade Involving a Top-Three Draft Pick

Sportsnet recently proposed a trade that would reunite Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm which has intrigued many.

Sportsnet Proposes a Major Trade Involving a Top-Three Draft Pick

Elias Lindholm has been a dominant force ever since his trade from Carolina to Calgary. Winning a Selke in 2022, Lindholm is elite defensively.

However, with a new GM in Calgary and only one year left on his contract, TSN has proposed a trade that will reunite Lindholm and Johnny Gaudreau.

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The offer seems absurd at first with Calgary having just signed Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Huberdeau to long-term contracts but this would be a solid retooling move. The Flames would need to give up more than just Lindholm to get the third-overall pick.

If they wanted to keep everybody around in 2024 (Lindholm, Hanifin, Toffoli, Backlund, Tanev, and Zadorov) they would need to move an expensive piece out which would not make sense.

However, if they move Lindholm out and pick up a younger center to build their team around, they could have a very high return on investment.

MOCK TRADE

To CAL:
3rd overall pick (Most Likely Leo Carlsson)

To CBJ:
Elias Lindholm
16th overall pick
One of Jacob Pelletier, Connor Zary, or Matthew Coronato (all former 1st round picks)
Dan Vladar

Also read on Markerzone.com:
Young Montreal Canadiens draft pick traded in massive junior deal