As transaction rumors surrounding David Savard intensify, the Quebec defender is experiencing a period of uncertainty marked by anxiety and emotions.
His future with the Montreal Canadiens seems increasingly compromised, particularly with the arrival of Alexandre Carrier, seen as his natural successor.
The recent acquisition of Alexandre Carrier, a 28-year-old right-handed defender from Quebec, seems to seal Savard’s fate.
Carrier, younger and more mobile, embodies a modern solution to replace Savard in a defensive brigade which is gradually getting younger.
“Carrier is a younger and faster David Savard. He has everything to take over and allow CH to move on to the next stage of its reconstruction. » says Gilbert Delorme on BPM Sports.
With a $3.75M contract through 2025-26, Carrier offers financial stability and versatility that are valuable for a team in transition like the Canadiens.
This situation places Savard in a delicate position, where his role within the team could become redundant.
The Edmonton Oilers, who are desperate to improve their defensive brigade, are particularly interested in Savard.
Their penalty kill, currently the worst in the league, could benefit from Savard’s toughness and experience.
“David Savard is exactly the type of player the Oilers need. He’s tough, reliable on defense, and he could stabilize their game.” says David Pagnotta, NHL journalist fond of rumors.
Savard, with an affordable $3.5M contract that ends next summer, represents an accessible option for Edmonton, which has limited resources.
Although Kent Hughes hopes to get a high pick for Savard, he will likely have to adjust his expectations. Right now, we’re talking about a 2nd round pick.
For Savard, the constant rumors of transactions have profound repercussions on his personal life.
“It’s hard not to think about it. Your friends write to you, the media talks about it constantly, and it affects my wife and my children. » says Savard to TVA Sports.
Savard and his wife attach great importance to the French-speaking education of their three children, a reality that would be compromised if they moved to an English-speaking city like Edmonton or Winnipeg.
“The fact that my children can attend a French-speaking school is crucial for us. In Columbus, they played together and spoke to each other in English, which we wanted to avoid. »
Among the potential destinations, Winnipeg seems the least attractive for the Savard family. Considered one of the least attractive cities in North America, if not the least attractive, Winnipeg represents enormous stress for Savard and those close to him.
However, Winnipeg has reportedly shown significant interest in the defenseman since the start of the year.
Savard still dreams of winning a Stanley Cup with Montreal, but he must face reality, his time is numbered in Montreal.
The reality is that such an opportunity could present itself elsewhere.
“It’s every hockey player’s dream to win the Cup, but there’s nothing to say it couldn’t be here. We are building something solid. »
Yes, Savard really dreams in color.
Still, with a rebuild underway, the chances of Montreal becoming a serious contender by the end of Savard’s contract appear slim.
Edmonton, with players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, offers a better immediate opportunity for playoff success.
David Savard must prepare for the inevitable: a departure from Montreal. Although he hopes to stay, the arrival of Alexandre Carrier, combined with the interest of teams like Edmonton, Winnipeg or Dallas, makes his future uncertain.
The Quebecer knows that he is closely monitored by a team that sees him as a key piece of its defense. His performance could well be the deciding factor in precipitating a trade.
For Savard, leaving means not only saying goodbye to his dream team, but also turning his family’s life upside down.
However, it is clear that his time in Montreal is numbered. It remains to be seen whether Edmonton, Dallas or Winnipeg will become his new home.
If David Savard is traded, the repercussions won’t be limited to the player himself. His family, with deep roots in Montreal, will face major upheaval, particularly if the trade occurs next year.
For the moment, the Savard family can benefit from a certain stability in Montreal. But the idea of a move in the near future, especially to a city like Winnipeg or Edmonton, constitutes a real nightmare for the defender and his loved ones.
Changing cities would involve not only finding a new school, but also rebuilding a family routine in a completely different environment.
Not for this year, when Savard’s family would stay in Montreal. But when he signs with another team next season it will be inevitable.
For Savard’s children, this would mean new friends, a new school environment, and the loss of the strong cultural bond they developed in Montreal.
Rumors sending Savard to Winnipeg or Edmonton exacerbated the family’s concerns. These cities, although important for the NHL, are often perceived as unattractive in terms of quality of life, particularly for a family accustomed to the excitement and cultural richness of Montreal.
Dallas would be the least worst of the three.
“I think of my children, of my wife. It’s hard to imagine their lives elsewhere after everything we’ve built here. »
For Savard, moving alone this season would already be an emotional and logistical challenge, but knowing that his family will have to follow him next summer adds additional weight to his thoughts.
If Savard is to be traded, Dallas appears to be a much more desirable destination. With its pleasant climate and a higher quality of life than Winnipeg or Edmonton, the Texan city would offer a living environment more suited to welcoming a family, even from a distance.
In a context where the Dallas Stars are serious contenders for the Stanley Cup, Savard has a chance to lift the famous trophy.
“My wife is amazing. She knows that hockey requires sacrifices, but we hoped we could stay here longer. »
While discussions around his future multiply, Savard continues to dream of a scenario where he could stay in Montreal. However, it is increasingly clear that he will have to face the reality of an imminent departure.
A move may be inevitable, but dealing with the consequences for his family will remain the biggest challenge Savard will face in his career.
Millions are one thing. The happiness of your family is another.
