Trade Talk: Marc Methot As A Rental, Who Is Interested?
By Jack Leiper
As Marc Methot is set to return to the lineup tonight, his UFA status and future is Ottawa is still unknown. With a player who has been out of Ottawa’s lineup most of the season, and as the trade deadline approaches; maybe Ottawa considers moving him as a rental player.
A key piece of info to keep in mind is if that Methot still doesn’t have a contract. It’s no question he could help a team’s back end, and with the attention defenders have begun to receive in the NHL; there will be suitors and parties interested in Methot.
Oct 23, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; New York Islanders defenseman
Johnny Boychuk(55) during warmups prior to a game against the Boston Bruins at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Methot has been a good NHL defender the last couple seasons and at 29-years-old, he’s not young.. but he’s not old. I’d look to what Johnny Boychuk got Boston at the beginning of the year, as a starting point for a potential return.
I think it’s accepted that Boychuk is a better NHL defenseman than Methot, so maybe the return of 2 2nds, and a conditional 3rd is a bit steep for the rental version of Methot.
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If Methot were to be traded, you’d have to think it’s to a contender. Teams like St. Louis, Anaheim, Los Angeles, and New York (Rangers) who have the chance to contend could be suitors.
St. Louis in particular has experimented with rental players in the past and didn’t work out last time around.
However, after Jay Bouwmeester, Alex Pietrangelo, and Kevin Shattenkirk, there is a considerable drop off in the Top 4. Barret Jackman and Carl Gunnarsson have played that role and adding to it can only help a team that is looking to contend.
Los Angeles has a pretty solid back end, but with Slava Voynov out indefinitely throughout a legal battle, maybe they look to add to their teams defence with the cap relief felt with Voynov temporarily off the books.
This, of course all has to do if whether or not Ottawa signs Methot to a new contract. Let’s hope they do.