NHL Trade Idea Swaps Recent Rangers and Canadiens No. 1 Picks

Lajoie's TVA colleague Philippe Boucher liked his co-host idea, believing the move could suit both teams, especially the up-and-coming Canadiens.

“The Montreal market could be good for him,” Boucher said. “He was good when he was under a lot of pressure in Rimouski. All eyes were on him.

"You just have to be careful about the price you pay. Slafkovsky... give me another day, because I'm not sure I'll do it, honestly." 

The Canadiens drafted Slafkovsky with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, and he is set to begin an eight-year, $60.8 million deal next season.

Lafreniere, meanwhile, was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft and is entering a seven-year, $52.15 million contract.

Both players had rather similar numbers this season, with Slafkovsky tallying 51 points (18 goals and 33 assists) and Lafreniere 45 (17 goals and 28 assists).

According to New York Post's Mollie Walker, appearing on Forever Blueshirts' "RINK RAP" podcast, the Rangers may entertain trade scenarios involving Lafreniere.

“It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world for (Rangers GM) Chris Drury to admit he committed too soon to his first overall pick and maybe see what you could get for him,” Walker said.

The Canadiens, who reached the playoffs with the youngest roster in the league, remain committed to improving after getting back to the postseason for the first time since 2021 when they reached the Stanley Cup Final.

“There’s no doubt we want to add more talent,” Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said during the end-of-season media availability. “We need to determine to what extent we want to add experience versus gain experience.”

The Canadiens put together a 40-31-11 record, good for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers, on the other hand, fell six points short of the postseason with a 39-36-7 record.