The Stanley Cup chase is heating up, and as the March 8th trade deadline looms, one blockbuster deal could be brewing between two storied rivals – the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.
NHL trade rumors suggest that the teams are exploring a potential trade centered around veteran defenseman David Savard.
Why the Leafs and Canadiens Could Execute a Savard Trade
The Maple Leafs are in desperate need of bolstering their blue line. A big-bodied, stay-at-home right-handed defenseman would be a perfect complement to their existing core. Savard, at 6’2″ and 234lbs, certainly fits the mold. Crucially, he also comes with a manageable $3.5M cap hit and has a season remaining on his current deal.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, are in the midst of a long-term rebuild. Stockpiling draft picks is a priority, and a first-round selection from a contender like Toronto would be valuable ammunition. There’s a prevailing theory that the Habs could use this first-rounder in a later package to finally land their long-rumored target, Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras.
Could This Historic Trade Happen?
While nothing is finalized, the pieces of this potential trade certainly make sense for both teams. The Leafs get much-needed defensive depth, and the Canadiens further their rebuild. We’ll be watching this situation closely as the deadline approaches.
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