The NHL draft season is heating up with new twists and turns emerging almost daily, and the latest revelations have sent shockwaves through the hockey community. As teams across the league jockey for position and strategize their moves, the value of future assets has suddenly become a hot topic of debate, with insiders revealing surprising shifts in what franchises are willing to part with to move up in this year’s draft.

Montreal Canadiens fans, in particular, are watching closely as rumors swirl about potential trades that could reshape the team’s future. With respected journalist Marco D’Amico providing fresh insights into the evolving landscape, speculation is running rampant about what it will truly take to secure a coveted top-8 pick. As the stakes rise and the trade market grows increasingly competitive, one thing is certain: the decisions made in the coming weeks could have lasting impacts not just for the Canadiens, but for the entire NHL.

Photo of Kent Hughes and NHL Draft

Photo credit: NHL

Journalist Marco D’Amico, who broke the news of Ivan Demidov’s arrival in Montreal, has just revealed new information ahead of the draft.

First, he confirmed that some teams are indeed holding discussions to move into the top 8 of the draft.

We mentioned this a bit earlier.

However, he also added a very interesting detail regarding the asking price and what teams are looking for in these draft-related trades.

Unprotected 2026 first-round picks in high demand across the National Hockey League

Here’s what he reported:

“Been hearing that unprotected 2026 picks could be the asks from certain teams, rather than using picks from this draft.

Also being told that teams have prepared the notion of asking for 2026 picks to move down as well.”

– Marco D’Amico

Interesting!

So if Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens want to acquire a top-8 pick for this June’s draft, it’s clear their chances of getting a deal done would increase if their offer includes an unprotected 2026 first-round pick.

Clearly, NHL teams are doing everything they can to maximize their chances of landing the phenom Gavin McKenna.

In short, on the current trade market, 2026 first-round picks appear to hold more value than 2025 first-rounders, which is quite unusual.

And you, would you take the chance of trading an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to acquire a top-8 pick in this year’s draft?