The NHL Draft is always a whirlwind of speculation, strategy, and surprising moves, but few fans could have anticipated the dramatic behind-the-scenes negotiations that nearly reshaped the futures of multiple franchises this year.

While headlines focused on the blockbuster trade that sent defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for two first-round picks and forward Emil Heineman, new details have emerged revealing that this deal was just the tip of the iceberg.

As insiders now report, the New York Islanders’ front office was orchestrating an even bigger move, one that could have seen star center Mathew Barzal traded in a bold attempt to secure a top prospect.

The high-stakes talks, which involved the Utah Mammoth and their coveted fourth overall pick, ultimately fell apart due to steep demands, but the ripple effects of these near-misses continue to reverberate throughout the league.

With so much happening behind closed doors, the 2024 NHL Draft stands as a testament to the complexity and drama that define hockey’s biggest offseason event.

Photo credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images

The Montreal Canadiens and the New York Islanders completed a major trade during the most recent NHL Draft.

Defenseman Noah Dobson was sent to Montreal, while picks 16 and 17 – previously owned by the Canadiens – were acquired by the Islanders’ new general manager, Mathieu Darche, along with forward Emil Heineman.

But did you know this trade was only part of the New York organization’s plan?

In fact, as reported by insider David Pagnotta, Mathieu Darche intended to use the 16th and 17th picks acquired from the Canadiens to move up in the draft and select young American prospect James Hagens (a Long Island native).

However, the price was simply too steep to acquire the fourth overall pick from the Utah Mammoth, whose general manager, Doug Armstrong, was targeting forward Mathew Barzal.

Utah Reportedly Made an Offer to the New York Islanders Involving Star Forward Mathew Barzal

That would’ve been massive!

Utah and the 4th overall pick: “They wanted Matt Barzal; I was told by someone with the Islanders, we like James Hagens, but we don’t like him that much”

– David Pagnotta

Since the asking price was far too high for the Islanders, they chose to keep their picks and selected forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson instead.

As for Hagens, the New York-area native ended up being selected by the Boston Bruins with the seventh overall pick, as you know.

This is yet another example of how much more goes on behind the scenes at the NHL Draft than we often realize.

In the end, all’s well that ends well for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens, who still managed to land Noah Dobson.