Would this make sense for the Ducks?
With the NHL Draft happening tomorrow, the Anaheim Ducks have some decisions to make. They hold the second overall pick in the first round of the draft and after Connor Bedard will be selected by the Chicago Blackhawks, anything really goes. The next consensus of players selected will be Adam Fantilli from the University of Michigan, Leo Carlsson from Örebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League and Matvei Michkov from SKA Saint Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League.
Anaheim is rumored to be split between Fantilli and Carlsson but may end up taking Fantilli because he may have the higher upside. But if the Ducks do end up preferring Carlsson, one writer has a suggestion. Trade the pick, possibly to the Columbus Blue Jackets who sit right behind the Ducks at number three overall.
"If the Ducks really do prefer Carlsson, or are even close to taking him over Fantilli, they should be calling up the Blue Jackets and working out a deal where the two teams flip their first-round picks. The Ducks could get Carlsson and some sweetener, while the Blue Jackets would get Fantilli plus the certainty of not having to guess whether he’d be there"
This would make sense, especially because Columbus apparently loves Fantilli so it would give them a chance to select him without fear of the Ducks doing so. It would also give Anaheim something extra to work with, while them still getting the player that they covet.
Anaheim has kept their plans close to the vest and that's probably for the best. Ultimately, I think Anaheim selects Fantilli with the pick due to his upside and potential superstar ability.