The rumors surrounding David Savard are gaining more and more momentum, and everything seems to indicate that the Quebec defender is living his last months with the Montreal Canadiens.
Kent Hughes’ recent acquisition of Alexandre Carrier has sowed the seeds of a possible departure for the 34-year-old veteran, a reality that appears to be taking shape as new teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, come forward to acquire its services.
When the Canadiens traded Justin Barron for Carrier, most observers saw the move as an attempt to ensure the defensive transition in preparation for Savard’s imminent departure.
And according to information from Pierre LeBrun, a well-connected journalist at The Athletic, the organization is indeed in a “trade Savard at all costs” mode.
“I don’t think David Savard is going to cost an arm and a leg. That would be attractive to teams like the Oilers, who don’t have a first-round pick this season. »
The Oilers, Jets and Stars were already among the contenders, but now the Maple Leafs, according to Chris Johnston, are added to the list.
A team like Toronto, which is desperate to strengthen its blue line for the playoffs, could find Savard an attractive option.
Savard’s value on the trade market lies in his unique profile: a tough, right-handed defenseman with a Stanley Cup ring and solid experience on the penalty kill.
If his play has declined somewhat this season, contending teams know that he can still excel in a well-defined role within a team aiming for great honors.
The price asked by Kent Hughes will undoubtedly be reasonable, especially if the Canadian wants to maximize his chances of getting rid of Savard without retaining part of his salary.
A 2nd round pick?
A team like the Oilers, without a first-round pick, could offer a second-round pick or secondary prospect in return, while the Leafs, desperate to add depth on defense, might be willing to go further for the secure.
For David Savard, the uncertainty linked to these transaction rumors weighs heavily, not only on him, but also on his family.
The veteran has often expressed his attachment to Montreal, not only for professional reasons, but also for family considerations.
“The fact that my children can attend French-speaking school is very important to us. When I was in Columbus, they lived in a world where almost everything was in English. »
This potential move, to Canada or elsewhere, would mean for the Savards giving up the linguistic and cultural stability that they appreciated so much in Montreal.
But his family will stay in Montreal, even if he is traded. She will move with the team that will sign the Quebecer this summer.
Despite the obvious stress, the chances are high that Savard will move to Canada. The Oilers and Jets are already among the most serious suitors, and now with interest from the Maple Leafs, the scenario of a trade to another Canadian city seems almost inevitable.
These destinations are all the more likely as Canadian teams look for players like Savard to fill their immediate playoff needs.
Toronto, in particular, could represent an interesting option. The Leafs, looking for a physical and experienced player to stabilize their defense, would see Savard as a perfect addition.
For Savard and his family, the idea of moving to another big city, with all the media pressure that comes with a team like Toronto, may not offer the respite they’re hoping for.
Especially since we are talking about the number one enemy of the Montreal Canadiens.
For the Montreal Canadiens, the David Savard trade seems more and more like a formality. The acquisition of Carrier, the persistent rumors and the lack of discussions for a contract extension draw a clear line towards a departure before or at the trade deadline.
For Savard, this chapter of his career seems to be coming to an end in Montreal. While the departure is difficult for him and his family to accept, it could represent an opportunity to contribute to a contending team and have the chance to win a Stanley Cup.
For the Canadiens, the million-dollar question: should we trade Savard or keep him and lose him for nothing this summer?
To ask the question is to answer it…
