Montreal Canadiens Rumors: Offseason Trade on the Way

While many felt the deal would go down before the trade deadline this season, it didn't happen due to injury timing and now the Montreal Canadiens will likely be moving defenseman Joel Edmundson this upcoming offseason.

According to Marco D'Amico of Montreal Hockey Now, expect to see trade talks pick up in a major way for the Canadiens blueliner once the Stanley Cup Playoffs conclude:

There were said to be at least three teams in the running for Edmundson last week, and there could likely be more come June and July.

Edmundson is a prime candidate to get moved at the NHL Entry Draft and allow the Canadiens to land another selection in what's supposed to be a very deep draft. The 29-year-old blueliner has one season left on his contract, paying him $3.5 million. He holds a 10-team no-trade clause and does have some say in the matter.

So far in 48 games this season, Edmundson has recorded 10 points and continues to be one of the best shut-down defenseman in the league. There will be a ton of interest and expect to see Habs GM Kent Hughes have no issues moving the player this upcoming offseason.