A major trade could be made at this year's draft

Even though we're in the midst of Stanley Cup playoff madness, many hockey fans are looking forward to the next NHL draft in July.

Not only will the Habs have the first overall pick, but we could expect a lot of personnel movement over the draft weekend. As Marco Normandin of Habsolumentfan.com reports, one player in particular could very well change addresses.

On the 32 Thoughts podcast, tipsters Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek discussed the possibility of Minnesota Wild forward Kevin Fiala being traded due to the team's financial constraints.

That's because by buying out the contracts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, the team's general manager, Bill Guerin, will be handcuffed on his payroll for a few years. If he wants to keep Fiala's services, he should have sacrificed several important elements of his team. Under these circumstances, Fiala's departure would be almost inevitable.


Guerin admitted it himself earlier today in a press conference. It will be almost impossible for him to keep Fiala.

According to Friedman and Marek, this would be a major trade that would bring the Wild several prospects or quality draft picks, or even a high first round pick.


The one who just had, by far, the best offensive season of his career with 85 points, including 33 goals in 82 games, will be an independent player with compensation this summer and we agree that he should get a significant increase in salary, he was getting $5.1 million this season.

Among the teams interested in Kevin Fiala, we find the New Jersey Devils and let's say that it could be an ideal destination for the Swiss forward, while he would be reunited with his compatriot Nico Hischier.

The Devils will have the second overall selection on July 7 and it is not impossible that the New Jersey team could use this choice to conclude a transaction.

Could it involve Kevin Fiala? We will know on July 7th.

The Ottawa Sens are also interested and have a high pick in the 2022 Montreal draft.

Can Kent Hughes take a chance with his second first round pick + another element? To be continued!

To listen to the 32 Thoughts podcast, click below.