Teams Most Likely to Trade Up in the 2017 NHL Draft

The 2017 NHL draft takes place in Chicago on June 23 and 24. As that weekend approaches, several teams, such as the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers, could attempt to move up in the opening round.

Having traded away their first-round selection, the Ducks could attempt to land another via trade. Having been dropped to fourth overall in the draft lottery, the Avalanche could try to gain a higher position. After going years without a first-round selection, the Rangers could possibly look at moving up in the draft order.

Here's a look at the teams (in alphabetical order) most likely to trade up in the opening round of the 2017 NHL draft. You can voice your take on this subject in the comments section below. 

Anaheim Ducks

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The Ducks had two picks in last year's NHL draft, selecting left wing Max Jones 24th overall and center Sam Steel (above) 30th. However, their lack of a pick in this year's draft could prompt general manager Bob Murray to pursue one via trade. 

On Feb. 24, Murray shipped a conditional second-round pick to the Dallas Stars as part of the return for right wing Patrick Eaves. But with the Ducks reaching the Western Conference Final and Eaves playing in at least half their games in the first two rounds, they instead give up their first-rounder to Dallas.

The Stars hold two spots in the opening round of the draft, including the third overall selection. Murray could try to reacquire his pick or set his sights higher. On June 1, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Stars are listening to offers for No. 3 pick. They need to bolster their defense corps, and Murray has the blue-line depth to tempt them. 

Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks are hosting the 2017 NHL draft. For the first time since 2014, they have a spot in the first round. As per MyNHLDraft.com, the Blackhawks hold the 26th overall selection in the first round. However, it's possible they could look at moving up higher in the order. 

They hold considerable depth in promising young forwards such as Nick Schmaltz, Ryan Hartman and Vinnie Hinostroza. But with their blue-line corps aging and backup Scott Darling traded to Carolina, the Hawks need skilled youth on defense and in goal.

General manager Stan Bowman could find a suitable option at his current position in the opening round. However, his odds might improve if he can move up in the order. With over $77 million in payroll for 2017-18, he must also shed salary. Perhaps he can package a salaried player with his first-rounder in hopes of landing a higher opening-round pick. 

Colorado Avalanche

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With only 48 points, the Avalanche finished the 2016-17 season at the bottom of the league standings. Though they hold the fourth selection in this year's draft, general manager Joe Sakic could attempt to move up in the draft order.

In a season where nothing went right for the Avalanche, having the league's worst record wasn't enough to secure the top pick. With the New Jersey Devils winning the draft lottery, the Avs slid down to fourth in the order. 

At his current draft position, Sakic could find a promising young player. The chance to land a top prospect, such as Nico Hischier or Nolan Patrick, could entice him to try moving up in the order. On May 29, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Devils GM Ray Shero is getting offers for his selection. Maybe one of those is coming from Sakic. 

Minnesota Wild

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For the first time since 2013, the Minnesota Wild don't have a pick in the opening round of the NHL draft. Combined with the possibility of losing a good player in the upcoming expansion draft, general manager Chuck Fletcher could be tempted to swing a deal for a first rounder near the top of the draft order.

On Feb. 26, Fletcher traded his first round pick in this year's draft to the Arizona Coyotes as part of the return for center Martin Hanzal. Meanwhile, the rules for the June 21 expansion draft could force him to leave a good young defenseman, such as Jonas Brodin or Matt Dumba, unprotected. 

Rather that risk losing a young blueliner for nothing to the Vegas Golden Knights, Fletcher could consider trading one in hopes of landing a first-rounder. The Dallas Stars could be a worthwhile target. They're in need of blue-line depth and hold two first-round selections, including the third overall pick. On June 1, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported they're listening to offers for that pick.

New York Rangers

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For the first time since 2012, the New York Rangers have a selection in the first round of the NHL draft. While general manager Jeff Gorton could be content with that, maybe he'll consider securing a higher spot in the order with a trade. 

The Rangers hold the 21st spot in the opening round. While Gorton could land a decent prospect at that position, this year's draft isn't considered as deep as last year's. He also risks losing a decent forward, such as Michael Grabner, Jesper Fast, Kevin Hayes or Oscar Lindberg, in the expansion draft. 

Gorton could consider packaging one of those players with his first-round selection in hopes of moving higher up in the draft order. Perhaps one of the teams ahead of him might entertain moving down for the right price. 

Vancouver Canucks

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The Vancouver Canucks hold the fifth selection in the opening round of the 2017 draft. While they could find a good young prospect in that position, general manager Jim Benning might wish to consider moving up in the draft order. 

Despite finishing with the second-fewest points (69) in the league standings, the Canucks were knocked down to fifth in the draft lottery. Attempting to move up in the order could put the rebuilding Canucks in a position to land a better prospect. 

Doing so could cost involve giving up a good young player in return. On June 2, Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Sun speculated over the possibility of Benning offering defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars for the third overall selection. Tanev would provide a boost to the Stars' blue line while providing the Canucks with two picks in the top five.  

Washington Capitals

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For the first time since 2011, the Washington Capitals lack a selection in the opening round of the NHL draft. General manager Brian MacLellan could attempt to rectify this by acquiring one in the trade market.

On Feb. 27, MacLellan shipped his first-round pick in this year's draft to the St. Louis Blues as part of the return for defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. With Shattenkirk likely to depart on July 1 via free agency, perhaps the Capitals GM will feel motivated to get back into the first round of the draft.

Capitals backup goaltender Philipp Grubauer or defenseman Nate Schmidt could be left exposed in the NHL expansion draft. Rather than lose one of them to the Vegas Golden Knights for nothing, MacLellan could shop one or both in hopes of securing a first-round pick. 

Player and draft info via NHL.com, HockeyDB.com and MyNHLDraft.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly.