NHL Rumors: Blue Jackets & Canadiens Talking Trade?
The Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly exploring the possibility of a trade involving a defenseman, primarily driven by the Blue Jackets' desire to create space on the right side of their defensive lineup.
Among the names mentioned as potential trade candidates are Jake Bean, Andrew Peeke, and Adam Boqvist, according to Frank Seravalli.
Adam Fantilli grabs his first career NHL point on a Jake Bean goal. 👏 pic.twitter.com/ubwsxhNDTH
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 12, 2023
Peeke, known for his role as a stay-at-home defenseman, scored just six goals and 13 points across 80 games, with an atrocious -41 plus/minus rating last season with Columbus.
Over his four-year career, the 25-year-old has scored nine goals and 34 total points across 195 games played, along with a -58 plus/minus rating.
Andrew Peeke with his first NHL goal! Columbus leads!#CBJ pic.twitter.com/E3jO9ltFHY
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) February 17, 2020
Boqvist has garnered particular interest from the Canadiens due to his manageable $2.6 million cap hit, which aligns with Montreal's cap space.
The 23-year-old Boqvist, a former first-round pick (8th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, had a career-best season last year, scoring five goals and 24 points, along with a -12 plus/minus rating over 46 games played last season.
Bean, also a former first-round pick (13th overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes, has amassed 10 goals and 44 total points across 126 games played over his five-year career.
Adam Boqvist scores his first goal as a Blue Jacket! Great set-up by Alexandre Texier #CBJ pic.twitter.com/TmE4wb7EKF
— SpecmenceCBJ (@SpecmenceCBJ) September 28, 2021
To facilitate a potential trade, the Canadiens could leverage their assets, which include prospects and capable forwards
While it's unclear if formal discussions have taken place, both teams may be evaluating various trade scenarios to address their respective roster needs.
The outcome will ultimately hinge on negotiations and the alignment of priorities between these two NHL clubs. Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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