A massive blockbuster trade almost happened at the 2019 Draft

According to NHL insider Jeff Marek, Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois was taking calls trying to trade his all-star forward Nikita Kucherov.

One of the trades that almost went through? Kucherov for superstar Leon Draisaitl. Could you imagine?

The Lightning had just won the President's Trophy but were swept in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets, so BrisBois was obviously panicking a little.

In the two seasons since, Kucherov has put up 58 goals and 96 assists for 154 points and 90 playoff points so far. At the same time, Draisaitl has recorded 129 goals and 175 assists for 304 points, as well as 43 playoff points (32 in 2022).

The only difference? Kucherov missed one regular season but has appeared in 66 postseason games since the 2019 draft, while Draisaitl has only appeared in 24. Kucherov and the Lightning also have back-to-back Stanley Cups, while Draisaitl and the Oilers finally made a jump forward and reached the Western Conference Finals this postseason.

When was the last time you saw a trade that swapped superstars of that calibre?

Who would this trade have benefited more?