The Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a familiar position as the NHL trade deadline approaches – playing the role of seller. Sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference, the Habs are once again looking to the future and aiming to stockpile draft assets for the upcoming 2025 NHL draft. One name that has surfaced in trade rumors is veteran defenseman David Savard.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos recently reported that the Canadiens are likely to move Savard to a contending team before the deadline. And it’s easy to see why he’s attracting interest.
David Savard’s Value High as Trade Deadline Approaches
Savard, 34, brings a wealth of experience and a steady presence to the blue line. As a right-shot defenseman, he fills a need that many contenders covet. While he may be best suited for a third-pairing role on a Stanley Cup contender, Savard has proven he can seamlessly move up the lineup when needed. That kind of versatility and dependability is invaluable in the playoffs.
Kypreos even went as far as to say Savard could be this year’s Luke Schenn, who was a key piece for the Toronto Maple Leafs during their playoff run a few seasons ago. With a reasonable $3.5 million cap hit and pending unrestricted free-agent status, Savard becomes an attractive target for teams looking to bolster their defensive depth without breaking the bank.
Potential Suitors Emerge
Two teams that have publicly expressed their need for a right-shot defenseman are the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers. Both teams are in win-now mode and could use Savard’s experience and defensive stability. It’s not out of the realm of possibility that a bidding war could erupt for his services, potentially driving his value up to a first-round pick.
While the return for Savard remains to be seen, one thing is certain: Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes will be working the phones as he looks to maximize his assets and continue building for the future.
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