First round draft picks are incredibly valuable in the NHL. It is the best opportunity for teams to add a player who will contribute to the their success on a team-friendly contract.
That said, not all first rounders are equal; the odds of drafting a franchise changing player drop off significantly after the first few picks. Often, it makes sense to trade away a first round pick, if the other team values that pick more highly than they should.
During Doug Wilson’s tenure as General Manager, the Sharks have frequently made trades involving first round picks. Some of these trades have worked out amazingly well—Brent Burns and Logan Couture are members of this team because of such trades.