In a three-team trade involving the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, and Tampa Bay Lightning, the Ducks have made some notable moves to bolster their draft picks for the future. The trade saw the Ducks acquire Edmonton's first-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, as well as a conditional fifth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft.

As part of the trade, Edmonton received centers Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick from the Ducks, along with Anaheim's seventh-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft. Additionally, the Oilers obtained the reserve rights to goaltender Ty Taylor. On the other hand, Tampa Bay received a conditional fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft from Edmonton.

The trade also involved the Ducks sending Adam Henrique (with 50 percent of his contract retained by Anaheim) to Tampa Bay in exchange for the reserve rights to goaltender Ty Taylor. Tampa Bay then traded Henrique (with 50 percent of his remaining salary retained by them) to Edmonton for Edmonton's fourth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. However, if Edmonton does not win the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup, the pick will become their fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Furthermore, Anaheim traded Sam Carrick (with 50 percent of his contract retained by the Ducks), the reserve rights to goaltender Ty Taylor, and Anaheim's seventh-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft to Edmonton. In return, the Ducks acquired Edmonton's first-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft and Edmonton's fifth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft. It is worth noting that the fifth-round pick will become the Oilers' fourth-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft if Edmonton wins the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup.

Pat Verbeek, the General Manager of the Ducks, expressed his good wishes to Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick as they join the Oilers. Verbeek remarked that both players have been with the Ducks for over seven years and praised their qualities as individuals and character players. Verbeek further explained that the trade was primarily motivated by contract status, and the Ducks' goal was to add another high draft pick to their core for the future.

Looking ahead, the Ducks will head into the 2024 NHL Draft with an impressive total of nine selections, including two first-round selections and three second-round selections. In total, Anaheim now owns 10 selections in the first three rounds of the next two drafts.

Adam Henrique, who has played 890 career NHL games with Anaheim and New Jersey, joins Edmonton with impressive credentials, having scored 521 points in his career. Meanwhile, Sam Carrick brings his experience from 224 career games with Anaheim and Toronto to the Oilers.

With this three-team trade, the Ducks have strategically positioned themselves to strengthen their roster for the future, while the Oilers and Lightning have made moves to enhance their teams as they pursue their respective goals. The NHL Draft will take place on June 28-29, where teams will have an opportunity to select promising talent for the seasons to come.