Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Defenseman Team Could Trade For This Week
No. 4: Vince Dunn ($1.875M)
Dunn was a healthy scratch earlier in the season, which sparked trade rumors immediately. Although he’s played the majority of the games since, he’s still most likely going to be dealt before the NHL Trade Deadline.
Vince Dunn is on the trade block according to @FriedgeHNIC.
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 27, 2021
He's a total analytical darling, with excellent playdriving numbers at both ends. But he's been deployed very very hesitantly by the Blues, with low quality of teammates and miniscule quality of competition. #stlblues pic.twitter.com/o4fxydbw6F
The former second round pick has put up good offensive numbers during his short NHL career, and could be an upgrade on Travis Dermott. Dunn may only be 24-years-old, but he gained a ton of playoff experience with the St. Louis Blues during their 2018-19 Stanley Cup run. Dunn played in 20 playoff games that offseason and contributed two goals and eight points.
Most importantly, he averaged 15:10 TOI per night and wasn’t a liability on the ice. The Blues had a solid top-four defensive group already, so Dunn wasn’t asked to do too much and could play a role similar to the one he would in Toronto, if he were traded there.
With one year left on his contract at a minimal price tag, Dunn could be a player who fits in nicely for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It wouldn’t cost much to acquire him, so the team would still be able to go out and get that top-six forward they want as well.
The last thing about Dunn is that he’s from Mississauga, ON, so another local kid to the roster never hurts.