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The No. 1 overall pick in any draft, including the NHL, is often a prime trade target. Teams know that if they move up to that spot, they can get exactly the player they want.
In a year when there's a guy viewed by many as the surefire top dog, it's even more enticing. This year, Gavin McKenna is that guy on most draft boards, and the popular perception is that the Toronto Maple Leafs will use the first pick to take him.
But what if they trade it?
Apparently, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
The Maple Leafs' new GM, John Chayka, was asked about the idea of trading out of the top spot, and he gave an honest answer on Friday to reporters.
"I would say the probability is we take the pick just realistically... Obviously everything is for sale at the right price, but to date there’s nothing compelling that we’re seriously considering, but there’s still time."
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That's a fair answer, and also what you'd expect Chayka to say.
It doesn't really make sense for a front office to close itself off from business entirely, just in case a huge offer comes in.
But he's also essentially letting the rest of the league know that the offers they've made so far haven't been good enough.
There's no guarantee that McKenna reaches his potential, but there's also no guarantee that any other move the Maple Leafs make works out, either.
The reality is that McKenna has been viewed as the top prospect in this draft cycle dating back multiple years, and while analysts are trying to determine if anyone should leapfrog him, most are standing by McKenna.
The Maple Leafs lucked into the top pick, and it makes sense for them to pursue the guy they think is the best player available.
If they truly felt there wasn't an obvious choice, or whether they could get amazing value later in the first round, maybe there'd be a move to make.
At the moment, though, it appears the Maple Leafs are best suited staying put.
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