Dea is the cornerstone of the offense, the number one defenseman, and an exemplary leader with a great deal of experience in this league. The 27-year-old has seven points, including four goals, in eight games. In Saturday's matchup against the Rochester Americans, he picked up two points.
Add to that the fact that he knows exactly how to play and perform in the big leagues, which would make him a safe choice. There are no question marks over his head: he has experience, flair and he's a guy with character. He has 33 games of NHL experience.
In short, in my opinion and in all logic, Dea remains a candidate of choice to join the Canadiens when they contact the Rocket.