The Rangers did not have any 2nds, 3rds, or 4ths in the cupboard until 2028. So they did not acquire extra picks in the next few drafts, they just replaced what they traded away previous. So, if I am MM, and I look at Brampton‘s draft cupboard, and see they have FOUR 2nd round picks in the 2025 draft, I want, two of them included in the deal. Not just one. No ifs, ands, or buts.
For me, that aspect of the trade is a fail.
In my view, he should’ve walked away from this deal with two 2nds and two 3rds in the 2025 draft. Brampton had them and MM should’ve stood fast on that demand.
Had he done that, we would’ve had a very strong ‘09 group who would be in their NHL draft season when we hope to host in 2027. That would have given us a much better shot at a top end supporting cast for our ‘07’s and ‘08’s.