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Welcome to another edition of the Hockeybuzz hotstove.
David Perron's name is one that has popped up in a lot of rumors of late, and it seems a matter of not if but when he's shipped out from Edmonton. In this edition of the hotstove we'll discuss where we think he'll end up when all is said and done.
Todd Cordell: Columbus
Edmonton is desperately looking for a No. 2 center as asking Leon Draisaitl to carry the 2nd line is clearly too much for the now 19-year-old center to handle in a very tough Western Conference.
Pittsburgh and Montreal have both been mentioned, along with the Blue Jackets, as a team that's potentially very interested in Perron's services.
Of the group, the Jackets could offer a 6'4" 26-year-old center coming off a 22-goal campaign in Artem Anisimov, while the best the Pens or Habs would be able to pony up down the middle is 3rd line center Brandon Sutter, a 5'7" 28-year-old in David Desharnais or someone with potential who's never really figured it out offensively in Lars Eller.
Anisimov is the best fit for what the Oilers are looking for, in my opinion, and Blue Jackets management is very familiar with Perron from their days in St. Louis when they drafted him.
If and when a deal gets done I think Perron will end up in Columbus.
Ryan Wilson Pittsburgh
Selfishly speaking I choose Pittsburgh. It makes too much sense. They have a need for a top six wing and Perron is on that tier of players that are really good but you wouldn't have to break the bank to trade for.
Ideally the Penguins would want to trade from their defense prospect pool but it appears the Oilers would like a center. Brandon Sutter would be the centerpiece of this potential deal.
Some people feel very reluctant to trade away Sutter but it is way harder to find good cheap top six wingers than it is to find average to good 3rd line centers. Hell, the Penguins already have one on their roster buried on the the fourth line in Goc.
Sutter's perceived value is at its highest and Perron's at it's lowest. I would at least make the phone call, worst Edmonton can say is no. Sid and Perron is too good to pass up.
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