You’ve probably already seen this by now, but there have been reports that the Jackets are trying to strike a deal with the Arizona Coyotes to move up to third overall.
One of the initial reports stated that Coyotes were exploring the idea of trading their first rounder, and that the Jackets were one of the teams interested in moving up.
This was followed up with:
#CBJ have expendable roster forwards if #Coyotes want immediate help. Anisimov makes sense, as does Atkinson.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 25, 2015
#CBJ have plenty of forward prospects to dangle, too. Rychel’s name is out there, of course. But there are others.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 25, 2015
With No. 8 overall pick, #CBJ could keep #Coyotes in top 10, assure they get top prospect. CBJ have 34, 38, 58, 68, 69 picks as sweeteners.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 25, 2015
In summary, hard to imagine a club better poised to jump to No. 3 than #CBJ. And the target is believed to be D Noah Hanifin.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 25, 2015
CLB may be hoping an offer of Artem Anisimov, Kerby Rychel and No. 8 pick can get No. 3 pick from ARIZ. Jackets then draft Noah Hanifin.
— Damien Cox (@DamoSpin) June 25, 2015
My initial reaction to Cox’ tweet is that it seems too expensive. I would have expected something more in line with what Portzline suggests, something along the lines of 8th Overall with a pick or prospect sweetener. Another option is to expand the deal to include a forward like Rene Bourque, which would help get the Jackets away from the salary cap, and help the Coyotes reach the salary floor.
I’m totally on board with the idea of moving up for Hanifin, or hell, even if the team is convinced that Ivan Provorov is their guy, moving up to make sure they get him is fine with me too.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.