It’s another edition of NHL rumours for you. We’re nearly a month away from the trade deadline and teams are getting into position. Some are in the position to go for it while others are selling off assets. Teams are going to have to decide which category they fall into. One team that will likely sell is the Montreal Canadiens. General manager Kent Hughes could make a Joel Edmundson trade as part of the Habs’ deadline.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Joel Edmundson Trade Discussed
Rumour: Chris Johnston for NorthStar Bets took a look at his trade deadline big board after the Bo Horvat trade. That blockbuster deal reshuffled the deck and there are new names at the top of the list. However, defencemen will always be in demand no matter the year. Edmundson is a veteran blueline that has won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues.
New, for @NorthStarBet: Rebooting CJ's Trade Deadline Big Board in the wake of the Bo Horvat deal. https://t.co/oC31GWBNxb
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 31, 2023
The Montreal defenceman only costs $3.5 million until the end of the 2023-24 season. There are plenty of teams that could use a strong left defenceman like Edmundson. However, the Canadiens do have the luxury of waiting because they still have another year to deal the veteran.
What a Joel Edmundson Trade Means
Montreal is looking to get a similar return to what it got from the Florida Panthers for Ben Chiarot. The Habs got a lofty return from that trade and are looking for something similar.
One of the main sticking points in making a deal is the Canadiens wanting a first-round pick. Those early picks are very valuable and giving that up for a veteran blueliner might be a tall ask. Montreal may not be expected to be a contender next year, so they have time to wait for the right deal. They can wait things out and pull the trigger when the time is right.
