Six NHL Trades Completed Ahead Draft Featuring Kreider, Marchment, Zegras

The NHL offseason has seen multiple trades as teams prepare for the upcoming draft and free agency, including a notable trade sending Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers have a history of making trades on June 23, a date that has often coincided with significant roster moves for the team. Meanwhile, discussions around draft value highlight the rarity of late-round picks making a substantial NHL impact, with examples like Henrik Lundqvist, Pekka Rinne, and Henrik Zetterberg who were drafted beyond the third round but enjoyed Hall of Fame careers. Trade rumors also continue to swirl, with the Buffalo Sabres reportedly seeking a right-shot defenseman and debating whether to accept high draft picks or pursue established players to end their playoff drought. Analysts caution that while draft picks hold value, the Sabres prioritize immediate roster improvements over future prospects. Overall, the NHL offseason is marked by strategic moves combining draft positioning with efforts to strengthen current lineups.