The NHL draft puts the sport's late-June focus on the top prospects and the clubs that will select them.

But with the general managers of the 32 teams in the same location at the same time, the draft is also when trades involving current NHL players tend to take place.

Look no further than the 2022 draft for a recent example. The notable moves saw the Ottawa Senators acquire Alex DeBrincat, the New York Islanders deal for Alex Romanov, the Montréal Canadiens land Kirby Dach and the Colorado Avalanche bring in Alexandar Georgiev.

While teams are limited by their salary-cap constraints for the coming season, there is always the possibility of a blockbuster move involving a star player. DeBrincat has surfaced in recent rumors, while trade speculation has dogged San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson for months.

Here's a look at five trades we'd love to see happen at the 2023 draft based on factors such as roster need and salary-cap space. Each involves players who've been the subject of media trade speculation this season. We're not predicting that these moves will take place, but we believe they would add even more excitement to the June 28-29 draft if they did.

As always, you can voice your opinion on these proposed moves in the B/R app comments section.

Alexis Lafrenière to the Vancouver Canucks

Following the New York Rangers' first-round playoff exit, speculation emerged regarding Alexis Lafrenière's future. Chosen first overall in the 2020 draft, the 21-year-old winger has struggled to play up to expectations after three seasons with the Blueshirts.

During the series against the New Jersey Devils, The Athletic's Arthur Staple suggested that trading Lafrenière could be among the changes the Rangers might face if eliminated from the opening round. The New York Post's Mollie Walker made a similar proposal following the series. He'll be a restricted free agent this summer coming off his entry-level contract.

Shopping the No. 1 overall pick from three years ago at this year's draft would generate plenty of buzz. With February trade acquisitions Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko likely to depart this summer as unrestricted free agents, the Rangers once again must address their lack of scoring punch on right wing.

Perhaps Lafrenière could be used as a trade chip to address that need. On Dec. 30, The Athletic's Eric Duhatshek suggested shipping the young winger to the Vancouver Canucks might help him restore his confidence and get his career back on track. He noted that Lafrenière's former agent, Émilie Castonguay, is now part of the Canucks front office.

With $83.3 million already invested in 17 players for 2023-24, the Canucks must shed salary to fill out the remainder of their roster. They might garner some cap relief if sidelined players Tanner Pearson, Ilya Mikheyev or Tucker Poolman remain on long-term injury reserve next season. Nevertheless, it would be beneficial to make a cost-cutting deal or two.

Perhaps the Canucks and Rangers can address their needs with a trade. A deal that could work would see Lafrenière shipped to Vancouver for winger Brock Boeser, who was frequently mentioned as a trade candidate leading up to the March 3 trade deadline.

The Canucks could shed Boeser's $6.7 million cap hit while signing Lafrenière to an affordable bridge deal. With $11.8 million in projected cap space, the Rangers might want the Canucks to retain part of Boeser's cap hit. If so, the Canucks could shed another contract in a separate trade to free up more room.