I think the poster in question meant that the Habs are wanting to take Kotkaniemi, but would trade down in order to do so. This kind of falls in line with the article that Pi posted stating the Canadiens' interest.
If Tkachuk winds up going #2, I would want to have some ammo in the barrel for a move up. Otherwise, we risk a team behind us jumping up to #3 for either Zadina or Svechnikov, and then losing the other to #4. Not exactly how I would want to get it done if we had the ability to move up for the 2nd or 3rd best player on our board and didn't explore the opportunity.
There's a draft pick value list out there. Chayka is one however that doesn't fully believe in being on the team trading up side off the equation.
It all boils down to the list for me and where the likely available at 5 assets lay versus Svechnikov. If Svechnikov is at 2 and we like him significant more that the player we believe will be at 5 then we are open to it pending cost. If we think player 3 on our list is available and he fits a better long term need than Svechnikov then I'm passing on even making an offer.
If I look at my own list and if it's a scenario where I'm choosing between Tkachuk and Svechnikov I'm okay with Tkachuk. Same with Zadina. Even if it's the top 4 off the table (Dahlin, Svechnikov, Tkachuk, and Zadina) I'm not opposed between choosing one of Bouchard, Hughes, Kotkaniemi, Wahlstrom, Dobson, or Bodqvist. I like those names and most are a better fit with our existing mix than the wingers mentioned above and I like not giving up additional picks. I also think pick 5 is the most interesting of the draft so my interest may be overshadowing what's truly best for the franchise.
If you think Svechnikov is on a tier of his own then we would have to look at dealing a young asset to move up. I think given the quality of our young assets that the deal has potential to expand into multiple assets from both sides. Ie. If we include Domi does that mean they include Galchenyuk as well?
