The Florida Panthers have openly admitted that they are willing to trade the top overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. To date, there haven’t been too many rumors surrounding a trade for this pick, but that’s starting to change. One rumor suggested the Toronto Maple Leafs may be trying to make a move, but the first confirmed report states the Calgary Flames have inquired about Florida’s pick.
Via NHL.com, Calgary’s GM Brad Treliving revealed he has been in talks with Florida’s Dale Tallon.
Calgary is stuck in the middle of a slow rebuild. Securing the top pick would theoretically speed up that process, but it all depends on the cost. There’s also the risk that the player selected would fail to pan out and set the organization back even further. The Flames already own the fourth pick in the draft, but they obviously have their sights set on one of the top-3 prospects in the draft.
The price for the top pick is probably pretty high. Though only two teams have been linked in a potential trade, it’s safe to say there are several other silent suitors. The Flames will have some steep competition and they’re not prepared to pay an extremely high price. They’re in a delicate position where they need to progress the rebuild and avoid yet another setback.
