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Canadiens Price Tag For Joel Edmundson Trade Becoming Clearer

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1 year ago

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Montreal Canadiens defenceman Joel Edmundson

With the NHL Trade Deadline less than two months away, the price tag on Montreal Canadiens defenceman Joel Edmundson is starting to become clear.

TSN’s Insider Trading, NHL Insider Chris Johnston mentioned that some high-profile players are beginning to garner interest and the price tag on many of them is a coveted 2023 1st-round pick.

One player in specific that was highlighted was Edmundson, a player whose trade stock remains relatively high.

“The best assets at this deadline are mostly going to be asking for at least a 1st-round pick in return,” said Johnston regarding the high ask from selling clubs. “That goes for the high-profile forwards, but also a couple of defencemen. I think that, if the Montreal Canadiens are to move Joel Edmundson at this deadline, you’re looking at a 1st-round pick-plus. Same in Columbus with Vladislav Gavrikov.”

Interest in him continues to grow, but the Canadiens remain hesitant to move their veteran defenceman for anything short of a haul.

Playing The Long Game

On a recent segment of Insider Trading, NHL Insider Pierre Lebrun spoke about Joel Edmundson being an attractive target for some teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, but mentioned the Canadiens would only move him for the price is right.

“Joel Edmundson, a shutdown defenceman, leadership guy, has Stanley Cup pedigree,” said Lebrun. “The Habs aren’t looking to move him, by the way, but they’re obviously willing to listen, given where they are in their retooling, they’re willing to listen on most of the veterans.”

It’s safe to assume that the Canadiens would need an offer like the one they received for Ben Chiarot last deadline; that of the Florida Panthers’ 2023 1st-round pick, a 2022 4th-round pick and prospect Ty Smilanic.

With Joel Edmundson having an extra year on his contract worth $3.5M, unlike Chiarot who was a free-agent, teams may be more willing to meet the Canadiens’ demands, as Edmundson would be around for two potential playoff runs.

Montreal Hockey Now has reported that the Canadiens would like to acquire a third 1st-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and Edmundson could very well be the bait that gets them there.

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