Trio of names linked with moves this summer as trade talks begin to pick up

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Cooper Godin
June 21, 2023 (10:44)

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The trade season got off to a bang nearly two weeks ago when the Flyers shipped Ivan Provorov to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a three-team deal involving the Los Angeles Kings. It was then followed up three days later when the Devils traded defenceman Damon Severson to the Blue Jackets.

More trades are expected to be on the way in the coming weeks as we approach the NHL Entry Draft and head into free agency. This time of year it's a busy period for National Hockey League teams and this summer will be no exception.

In their most recent 'Trade Watch' article, The Fourth Period linked Montreal Canadiens defenceman Joel Edmundson, St. Louis Blue defenceman Colton Parayko and Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois to some interesting teams.

Edmundson - Montreal Canadiens

When it comes to Montreal's Joel Edmundson, someone who many expected to be moved at the trade deadline in March, he's been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, Seattle Kraken and one of his former teams, the Carolina Hurricanes.

"The asking price on Edmundson during the regular-season included a first-round pick. Now that he is entering the final year of his contract, we'll see if that changes."

Edmundson, 29, has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $3.5 million and a modified no trade clause which includes a ten-team no trade list. In 61 games this past season, the Brandon, Manitoba native had 13 points (two goals, 11 assists), 58 penalty minutes and was a minus-29.

Parayko - St. Louis Blues

There's no question that the St. Louis Blues would like to move a defenceman this summer and it appears that they're open to moving anyone not named Torey Krug. Colton Parayko's name has been mentioned in rumours dating back to before the March 3rd trade deadline and now he's been linked to the Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets.

"The Blues entertained the possibility of moving Parayko ahead of the trade deadline and they're willing to listen once again this summer. He owns a full no-trade clause and will have a say in where he ends up, if moved, but the Blues clearly want to trade one of their pricey defencemen and he's leading the list."

Trading Colton Parayko won't be easy for Blues general manager Doug Armstrong. Less than two years ago, Armstrong signed Parayko to a massive eight-year extension worth $6.5 million per season. Parayko will be entering the second-year of that deal next season, which includes a full no-trade clause for the first six years of the contract.

Dubois - Winnipeg Jets

As we all know now, Pierre-Luc Dubois' time with the Winnipeg Jets is over and it's a matter of when, not if, he gets dealt. Dubois has been linked to the Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings and even the New York Rangers in recent weeks, but the Nashville Predators have reportedly entered the sweepstakes as well.

"Dubois made it clear he wants out of Winnipeg and his agent is working with the Jets to help make a move happen. He is believed to be willing to move to a select few teams, similar to Matthew Tkachuk last season, so Winnipeg will explore all of its options."

It's been known for a while now that the 24-year-old restricted free agent forward would like to play in his home province for the Montreal Canadiens, but with recent reports suggesting he wants $9 million AAV on his next contract, Kent Hughes may decide to turn his attention elsewhere. Dubois is coming off the best year of his NHL career so far, putting up 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists in 73 games.

Which of these three players do you think will be moved first? Have your say in the poll below!

Source: The Fourth Period