The descent into hell continues for David Savard, whose performances on the ice, already under fire from critics before his injury, reached a new low last night against the Dallas Stars.
Savard, back in action after four missed matches and supposedly in good shape because he had not arrived at 2 a.m. like the rest of his teammates who had to take a late plane from Washington, offered a performance that several described as the worst of his career.
In just 12 minutes and 56 seconds, his lowest playing time since his arrival in Montreal, the veteran defender committed three costly turnovers.
Mistakes that directly led to scoring chances for the opponent, leaving his teammates, and especially the coaching staff, visibly frustrated.
His inability to keep up with the Stars and adequately protect his zone was shocking.
On several occasions, he seemed late in his movements, lacking energy and precision in his interventions.
Some observers did not hesitate to describe his evening as atrocious, saying that he seemed totally overwhelmed.
If the performances on the ice are worrying, the context surrounding Savard only makes the situation worse.
The rumors of a transaction sending him to Edmonton, Winnipeg, or even Dallas seem to affect him deeply.
These rumors, although inevitable in a league where trades are frequent, weigh heavily on a player whose body shows obvious signs of wear and tear.
“Even my friends talk to me about it all the time. It seems like I can’t escape it,” said Savard.
This constant pressure, coupled with his disappointing performance, is a harsh return to earth in terms of his real value on the transaction market.
Just a few weeks ago, some were hoping Savard could bring home a first-round pick at the trade deadline.
Today, this idea seems utopian. In light of his recent performance, even landing a second-round pick becomes uncertain.
Interested teams, such as Edmonton and Winnipeg, might be tempted to lower their offers, knowing Savard is a shadow of his former self.
His decline is all the more worrying as it comes at a time when Canadians are seeking to maximize their return on their veterans.
One thing has been certain for ages: David Savard will not be in Montreal next season.
With the arrival of Alexandre Carrier, the emergence of young defenders like Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher (who will soon be back), and the desire of Kent Hughes to rejuvenate the defensive brigade, the departure of Savard is no longer a question of “if”, but of “when”.
For Mailloux, this situation represents a golden opportunity. Savard’s imminent departure will free up an important spot on the right flank, opening the door to a regular role for the young defender.
While Savard was having a nightmare night, the scouts in the press box were surprised to see how close he was to being finished.
As the trade deadline approaches, Kent Hughes will have to decide how best to handle the Savard situation.
While it is clear that the Quebecer is no longer part of the team’s long-term plans, the challenge will be to obtain reasonable value despite his apparent decline.
For now, the only certainty is that David Savard is living on borrowed time in Montreal, and each remaining game could be his last in the blue-white-red uniform.
A difficult end for a player who, despite everything, always gave his all for his team.
But no one can fight time. David Savard is worn out, worn out, to the point of collapse.
Either way, it collapsed in the deal market.
If David Savard’s physical state is worrying, his mental and emotional state is just as much, if not more so.
The persistent trade rumors, the incessant criticism of his performance, and the pressure of playing in a market as demanding as Montreal clearly left deep marks, not only on the player, but on the man and his family.
For weeks, Savard has been facing a barrage of speculation that involves enormous uncertainty for him and those close to him.
His family is not spared from this turbulence. The children hear about the rumors at school, and his partner is constantly asked if the Savard clan is planning a move.
This kind of tension affects the entire family unit, amplifying the feeling of vulnerability already felt by the player.
With each conversation, with each text message received from a friend or a former teammate, Savard is brought back to this cruel reality: he is living on borrowed time.
Even in his inner circle, some remind him of the rumors, sometimes in a joking tone, sometimes more seriously.
“It’s exhausting,” a source close to Savard would have confided.
“He keeps dwelling on it all, and it keeps him from fully concentrating on his game.”
Mistakes on the ice, like those made in the game against Dallas, are therefore not just signs of physical decline.
They also reveal a mentally exhausted player, unable to perform under constant pressure.
This mental distress is directly reflected in his performance. The more Savard struggles to regain his level, the further he seems to move away from the goal.
This downward spiral is visible to the naked eye: a once stable, reliable, and robust player now appears hesitant, vulnerable, and sometimes completely overwhelmed.
The recruiters present during his last match could only see the extent of this regression. If some still saw him as an interesting option to solidify a defensive brigade, they are today much more hesitant to make a substantial offer.
Despite everything, Savard remains a player who has always given his all for his team, sometimes to the detriment of his own health.
This limitless loyalty may have contributed to his current exhaustion. Wearing the Montreal Canadiens uniform, in such a demanding role, leaves scars, and Savard today bears the deep marks, both physical and mental.
If this situation is difficult for Savard, it represents a golden opportunity for a young person like Logan Mailloux.
With Savard’s imminent departure, the door opens for the young defenseman to take his place in the lineup.
The torch passes, but for Savard, it is a stark reminder that time and circumstances spare no one.
Such is life.
