Report: Blue Jackets have spoken to Maple Leafs, Jets about moving up in draft
Third pick is nice, but first or second would be better.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have spoken to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets about potentially trading up in the draft, according to Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch.
Portzline reports the asking price for the No. 1 pick is steep, but not completely out of reach, like it apparently was when the Edmonton Oilers held it last year with Connor McDavid projected to go first overall.
There was no price for McDavid last year. #Oilers wouldn't even listen. #cellphonesoff
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 23, 2016
The Maple Leafs and Jets hold the first and second overall picks respectively and are expected to select Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine.
If the Blue Jackets stand pat with the No. 3 pick, they're expected to select forward Jesse Puljujarvi.