Overview
- San Jose, which was reported Monday to be listening on the No. 2 pick, is weighing a trade that would bring NHL-ready help on the blue line.
- Analysts cite the Sharks’ forward-heavy prospect pool and say taking a defenseman at No. 2 would likely be a reach compared with winger Ivar Stenberg.
- Potential movers named by insiders include Vancouver, the Rangers, and Calgary, with interest focused on jumping up to secure Stenberg before he reaches picks three or four.
- Toronto holds the top pick with most scouts favoring Gavin McKenna, and Elliotte Friedman has said Auston Matthews may wait until later this summer to decide on his future, which tightens the Leafs’ planning window.
- The Canucks at No. 3 and Blackhawks at No. 4 are building read-and-react boards, with Chicago eyeing a scenario where Stenberg slips, and the first round is set for June 26 in Buffalo.