Don Waddell open to trading his first two picks: Kent Hughes should follow suit

Columbus has the 14th and 20th picks in the upcoming draft.

The Blue Jackets and the Canadiens are in a similar position. Both teams have battled for a playoff spot this season and are ready to take their game to the next level.

Trading first-round picks can bring in established players who can help the Canadiens fill roster vacancies.

Two first-round picks and a good prospect can help you get your hands on a second center, which is probably the Habs’ biggest need right now.

Free agents are all well and good, but it’s important to remember that players on the market are entitled to negotiate with all 32 NHL teams. That means there’s always a bidding war for the best players available.

And let’s just say that Montreal is certainly not the only team looking for a good second center.

By going with a trade, Kent Hughes could pick up a quality player who won’t need to be paid according to the bidding.

Getting back to Don Waddell, the fact that his first two picks are on the market may also be a bad thing for the Canadiens. If there are too many first-round picks available, their value will drop. It’s supply and demand.

Kent Hughes won’t budge from his original plan, but he’ll certainly have to find a way to pick up some good, established players this summer. His two first-round picks could help him do just that.

Overtime

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