Nashville Predators: Five Hypothetical Trades to Entertain this Offseason
By Rich Howe
Vince Dunn
Position: Defense
Current Team: St. Louis Blues
2020 Salary Cap Hit: $722,500
Vince Dunn, a restricted free agent, went for 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) last season, but only had three assists in the playoffs.
The Blues are in a tricky situation as they are close to their limit on cap space and still need to re-sign Alex Pietrangelo. It would seem almost impossible to accomplish this and re-sign Dunn.
To clear cap space, the Blues may be willing to let go of Dunn for not much in return, similar to what they did when moving goaltender Jake Allen to Montreal.
Dunn would be a welcome addition to the second defensive pairing with Ekholm. This move would give some firepower back to that pairing and provide some much-needed offense.
Dante Fabbro could then be moved to the third pairing with, possibly, Alexandre Carrier. This move would give Fabbro some much-needed development and allow Carrier to ease into a role in the NHL.
Dunn will be looking for a raise next season. If the Predators let some free agents go and possibly execute a contract buyout for Kyle Turris, they should have more than enough to afford Dunn’s cap hit.
Since St. Louis needs to clear some cap space, they may be willing to accept a 2nd round draft pick and a later pick or two.
A move like this would benefit both teams. The Predators would get a better defenseman to help out Ekholm, and the Blues would free up some money to re-sign their Captain.