Adams talks 11th pick and potential trades at pre-draft press conference

1. The Sabers are willing to trade the 11th pick

Adams made it a priority when he took over as general manager in June 2020 to replenish the organization’s prospect pool. Over the next four years, the Sabers drafted 35 players, including seven in the first round.

Four of those players – Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, Owen Power and Zach Benson – are already NHL regulars. Several others are candidates to join them in the near future, including first-round forwards Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen, both of whom were among Rochester’s top scorers over the past two years.

With all this future talent, the door is open for the Sabers to trade the 11th overall pick for immediate NHL roster help.

“I’ve told every team in the league that we’re absolutely open to the idea of ​​moving Pick 11,” Adams said. “To be honest with you, we are completely open to any consideration – to (trading) prospects, if we think it can help our team. We’re having these conversations right now.

“I told all the teams around us that we were open. Hey, we would even look to progress. It’s not always easy to do, but I think we have what it takes to do it. We’re very open to a move back, depending on how the draft goes and where guys go.

“So all of that is on the table. And these conversations have been going on for a few weeks. They’ll definitely pick up steam here next week as we get closer to Vegas.