A major trade is taking shape for the Montreal draft and it involves Kevin Fiala

Excellent journalist Lisa Dillman (The Athletic, Los Angeles) just revealed some interesting information in her most recent article.

As you know, the biggest name on the trade market right now is Minnesota Wild winger Kevin Fiala. For reasons we've often listed, he will almost certainly be traded this summer.

The Wild have no other option, due to payroll penalties.

Fiala, 26, is a restricted free agent who is generating a lot of interest in the league after amassing an impressive 85 points (33 goals) in 82 games this season.


Another big player on the trade market right now is the second overall pick of the New Jersey Devils. Their GM is listening to offers.

Well, in the end, all indications are that these two elements could be linked.

Lisa Dillman, on her LA Kings Mailbag, was asked about the Kings' chances of acquiring the talented Wild winger.

Surprisingly, she replied that, according to her sources, it would currently be the New Jersey Devils instead, who would be the heavy favorites to acquire Fiala.

Here you go.

It makes sense. They have: the salary cap space to sign him, the draft picks to interest the Wild and the will to go after an impact forward who is already developed and ready to produce.

Also, as Dillman mentioned, there is a special connection between Devils captain Nico Hischier, Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, and Kevin Fiala. All three are products of Switzerland, a program with a strong sense of belonging.

Imagine these trios:

Jesper Bratt - Jack Hughes - Kevin Fiala
Yegor Sharangovich - Nico Hischier - Dawson Mercer
Tomas Tatar - Pavel Zacha - Andreas Johnsson
Miles Wood - Michael McLeod - Nate Bastian

This is starting to be a solid attack.

So the Devils would indeed be the favorites to acquire Fiala, but nothing is settled. They need to think hard before trading their second overall pick, even if Fiala is probably worth it.

TO THE DEVILS - Kevin Fiala (+ one pick?)

AT THE WILD - 2nd overall pick in 2022

Who do you think would win the trade?