Chris Drury has officially opened the door to trade offers for Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider, two pillars of the New York Rangers.
Meanwhile, Kent Hughes observes the situation with a smirk and David Savard in hand.
Because if a team is looking for a reliable and experienced defender, at a reasonable price, it is clear that Montreal has the advantage in this equation.
Jacob Trouba, at 30 years old, has a contract of 8 million per season until 2026.
Captain of the Rangers since last year, he embodies a robust and emotional style of play. But at that price, his performance on the ice doesn’t exactly make general managers salivate.
His leadership role hasn’t been enough to keep the Rangers from stumbling this season, and his offensive limitations reduce his appeal, especially for teams that want to maximize their investment under the salary cap.
On the other hand, David Savard, 33, may not wear a “C” on his jersey, but he offers exactly what a team looking for defensive stability might want.
With a $3.5 million contract that expires in 2025, he represents an affordable option for a serious contender.
A tireless shot blocker, Savard is the kind of player you insert into a defensive brigade to solidify the foundations without blowing your budget.
While Drury tries to sell an overvalued piece, Hughes has a key defenseman on hand, at the right price and without attaching a cumbersome contract to the deal.
Chris Kreider, meanwhile, remains an intriguing piece in Drury’s strategy.
At 33 years old and with a contract of 6.5 million per year until 2027, he still offers respectable offensive production.
But this duration is starting to pose a problem for several teams in the league, which seek to avoid long-term commitments for veterans in their 30s.
Kreider could attract interest, but the price of absorbing his contract remains an obstacle.
Meanwhile, Hughes can quietly put Savard on the market as a perfect asset for aspiring teams.
Savard is not a star, but he is a clear and simple solution for any team looking to fill a defensive hole in the short term.
And unlike Drury, Hughes doesn’t have to send desperate memos to the league for attention: Savard speaks for himself.
A reliable defenseman, without a headache-inducing contract, is a rare commodity in the NHL.
While Drury has to juggle some difficult-to-move pieces, Hughes sits comfortably in an enviable position.
Hughes may not be laughing out loud, but he is rubbing his hands together, ready to take advantage of a deal where Drury has to sell out while he can calmly dictate the terms.
To be continued…
