Rumor: Montreal and Columbus Closing In On Blockbuster Deal

The Pierre-Luc Dubois sweepstakes could soon be coming to an end as the Columbus Blue Jackets are working hard to trade their first-line center. The 22-year-old made it known he's not enjoying his time as a Blue Jacket and wants to move on.

Now we know where Dubois prefers to play. The Montreal Canadiens. 

This according to hockey insider Nick Kypreos of Line Movement who tweeted this out earlier today.

Pierre-Luc Dubois first destination choice is @CanadiensMTL The @BlueJacketsNHL ask is now focused around Nick Suzuki / plus. Romanov has been deemed untouchable. Would you do it if your Marc Bergevin? @Line_Movement

— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) January 14, 2021

From all accounts and several different insiders, it sounds like the two teams are in constant dialogue and something could be done very soon. The ironic part is the fact yesterday we published an article about Suzuki for Dubois and how the Canadiens wouldn't budge. Seems like Kyper is chatting with the same people.

Montreal is Trying to Make Some Noise!! 😱😱😱https://t.co/72LFFJ3zG5

— NHL Trade Rumors (@NHLTradeRumors) January 14, 2021

It's extremely unlikely the Canadiens give up on Suzuki who is an absolute stud and blossoming quickly into a #1 center. What could take place is a deal around Jesperi Kotkaneimi. 

'KK' was also a top-3 pick at a recent draft and is someone the Blue Jackets management team is extremely familiar with.  He's two years younger than Dubois and comes at a much cheaper price as 'KK' is still on his entry level deal.

Would a deal of Kotkaneimi, Victor Mete and a first round pick be enough for the Blue Jackets to pull the trigger? 

Perhaps, but one thing we do know, don't expect to see Nick Suzuki traded any time soon.

Photo credit:  Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire