The Montreal Canadiens are likely to be sellers ahead of the upcoming trade market and defenseman Joel Edmundson tops the list of the Habs’ trade baits.
As for the Boston Bruins, they are expected to be buyers for a long playoff run and insider Chris Johnston revealed on TSN 1050 how they could go shopping in Montreal to land a rugged stay-at-home defenseman prior to March 3rd. And the insider believes the Bruins could go after Edmundson, who is a proven playoff warrior who can stay put in Boston.
Edmonton is at a somewhat affordable $3.5 million cap hit with another year left on his contract which would make him a value trade and not just a rental. Bruins president Cam Neely has recently revealed to Fluto Shinzawa of the Athletic that acquiring a player with term - or one who could at least re-sign in Boston as a free agent - has become an important part of their deadline plans.
Edmundson fits the bill. Johnston explains on TSN 1050:
‘Edmundson isn’t going to put a team over-the-top so asking for a top prospect or 1st is just posturing by management. I think they’d gladly take a 2nd or a 3rd + mid tier prospect. If they get more than that, its an absolute fleece job by Montreal.
“Edmundson is a decent defender but not any better than he is now. Kind of risky too due to his recent injury issues.”
The insider hopes to see the ultimate NHL rivalry between the Canadiens and the Bruins pushed to the side to make this trade happen.
“Gritty defensive defenseman who’ll stand up for their team are rare nowadays, I hope the Bruins do make a trade for him.”
Do you want the Habs and Bruins to agree on this deal?
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