Thinking about the impending NHL draft, I can't help but think that with some skilful trading as a team we could end up with multiple 1st round picks.

At the moment we have the following selections:

Round1: 3

Round 2: 33, 36, and 50

Round 4: 90 and 91

and our own picks in Rounds 5 through 7.

In the 2004 draft of Ovechkin and Malkin, Tallon found himself picking 3rd and ended up drafting Cam Barker. This draft strikes me as similar with two prospects head and shoulders above the rest, with a significant fall off. Tallon might be tempted to trade down and there are 3 possible partners in Atlanta (8 & 24), Anaheim (12 & 29) and Phoenix (13 & 22). There are a number of forwards and defenders available around both of these numbers that would restock the ranks.

When there is considerable debate as to whether Fowler is the best defenseman or whether Connolly is the best forward remaining, I think it is best to trade down rather than reach as Tallon did in a poorer draft with Barker. The best defenseman taken in 2004, was Mike Green at No30.

Ending up with 13 and 22, we could look to see what we could do with our Round 2 picks. A number of teams in the lower half of Round 1 can trade down especially if they are focusing on a player sliding.

Last year, the Red Wings traded out of Round 1 for a R2 and a R3 pick. With no R2 selections both Washington and San Jose could be interested especially San Jose who also lack a fourth round selection.

Trading 36, 90 and 91 for the Sharks for 28 and 33 & 50 to the Capitals for 26 will give us two additional first rounders and a draft looking like:

13#

22#

26#

28#

Considering the spate of mocks around, Connolly is falling because of injury worries so could well be around at #13. Whilst we need offence, we also need defence because we have not many defensemen under contract and it could well be that Ellerby and Garrison might be with the Panthers from the start. We need depth here too. A draft of Brett Connolly LW/C (13), Dylan McIIrath D (22), Ryan Martindale C (26)  and Alex Petrovic D (28) brings size and skill at both ends of the rink

Of course we may mix picks with veterans such as moving Olecz (hopefully) and Vokoun (possibly) but Tallon could easily and immediately put his stamp on this team.