In today’s NHL rumors rundown, there are reports via a number of sources that the St. Louis Blues are actively trying to move defenseman Vince Dunn. Will there be a market for the blueliner and what might the return be? The Montreal Canadiens are in the news as well, specifically when it comes to Nick Suzuki’s connection to the Pierre-Luc Dubois deal and rumors of a Victor Mete trade. Are the Vancouver Canucks having issues getting an extension done with head coach Travis Green and finally, what’s the delay in getting Patrik Laine in Columbus and suited up with the Columbus Blue Jackets?
Dunn Done in St. Louis?
As per sources like Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports and Frank Seravalli of TSN, the Blues could be ready to move Dunn in a deal and are actively trying to trade him after early struggles this season.
Dunn was a healthy scratch against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday evening, but well before that, there was a “lot of trade talks about him”, writes Friedman. In fact, the Blues explored moving the defenseman before he signed a one-year, $1.875MM extension.
It is believed the organization will be looking for a first-round pick in return and Seravalli notes that the club has already engaged with teams in discussions.
Related: Prospects News & Rumors: Savoie, Dorofeyev & Duke
Canadiens Updates: Suzuki and Mete Trade Talk
As per a quote in Friedman’s recent 31 Thoughts article, “Before the season, Montreal might have considered the possibility of Nick Suzuki as part of a trade for Dubois. But any chance of that was eliminated by his performance to start the year. His growth is exceptional.”
The Canadiens were rumored to be in on Dubois before he was moved to the Winnipeg Jets, but the play of Suzuki last season, combined with his promising start to the 2020-21 campaign made the young center almost indispensable. Suzuki has six points in six games played for the Canadiens so far this season but more than that, the teams see him as a huge part of their future.
Friedman also reports that Mete could be a trade candidate out of Montreal as he’s in tough to make the roster of a very deep blue line corps. A trade might be more likely than a move to the Taxi Squad because a rival club would likely pluck Mete off waivers.
Laine Delays Slightly Troubling
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic notes that Laine is now in Ottawa for paperwork needed at the U.S. consulate there. He adds there is no exact timeline yet for his arrival in Columbus, but he’ll travel from Ottawa to Columbus when he’s cleared.
Also of note, the Blue Jackets have not had any talks with Laine in regards to a new deal. As per Pierre LeBrun, it’s a bit odd considering early speculation was that the two sides would be talking right away and that any team trading for Laine would want to know he might extend. All that said, LeBrun notes that Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen feels strongly the team can get something done and is confident in his relationship with the player.
LeBrun notes that an extension isn’t just about how much money to offer Laine, but what term to sign him to. LeBrun believes Laine’s camp isn’t necessarily interested in an eight-year extension and the winger is more likely to take less years due to the flat cap. He’ll opt to maximize money later.
Reason For Concern On Travis Green Front?
Darren Dreger noted in the same Insider Trading segment the fact that Canucks head coach Travis Green doesn’t have a contract yet is somewhat concerning. That said, there is intent from the Canucks’ perspective to get a deal signed.
Green is highly valued around the NHL, but the process of managing the financials during a pandemic is what might be taking so long.
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