NHL Draft 2016: First round picks and trade grades

Here’s a recap of all of the action that went on in the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday in Buffalo.

A ton of action went on at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo for the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft. There were a lot of unexpected moves as teams reached to hopefully make their futures a little bit brighter. Trades were made and picks were called.

Listed below are the draft picks and their grades.

Several trades were made. They are listed and graded below.

Both teams get what they want. Capitals get a skilled center/wing and the Canadiens get two second round picks for a player that was never a fit under Habs head coach Michel Therrien.

Montreal did well in the Eller trade, but this one makes little sense. Two second round picks for a player who struggled to produce alongside Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa? That’s bad. Meanwhile, Chicago gets much desired cap space and draft picks.

Blues sold a bit low on Elliott and the Flames fixed their biggest need for a reasonable price considering that everyone knew that they wanted a goaltender. Take a bow, Calgary.

Ottawa really liked Logan Brown, but the Devils likely weren’t going to go after him. Still, a third round pick isn’t that terrible of a thing to lose if you get the player that you want.

Without a doubt the biggest surprise of the night. Red Wings didn’t have to give up much to get rid of Datsyuk’s cap hit. Might Detroit make a run at Steven Stamkos now?

The Jets traded up to draft defenseman Logan Stanley. A bit baffling considering how many didn’t have Stanley as a top 20 draft pick or even a top 25. Flyers did well in this trade.

Capitals pick up a third round pick, which helps them replenish the third rounder they gave up for T.J. Oshie last offseason. The Blues selected Tage Thompson with this pick. Capitals selected defenseman Lucas Johansen.

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