Pierre LeBrun struck again, this time during the intermission of the game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.
Faithful to his role as an influential insider, LeBrun took advantage of his platform to repeat what seems to be becoming obvious to him: the Edmonton Oilers are very aggressive in the David Savard file.
Rarely have we seen LeBrun so insistent on a trade rumor. His words, repeated with conviction, leave little doubt about the possible outcome:
He is convinced that David Savard will become a member of the Edmonton Oilers.
This is not the first time that LeBrun has mentioned this possibility, but his tone and his repetitiveness during this intermission added a dose of intensity to an already well-established rumor.
The fact that such a respected insider would return to this information again and again says a lot about the validity of his sources.
The Oilers are in aggressive mode to add a defensive right-handed defenseman, and Savard checks all the boxes. It’s an obvious target.
These statements, made in English first, then stated for the French-speaking public, show the urgency with which Edmonton wants to solidify its blue line for the playoffs.
The Oilers, despite their formidable offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have shown glaring weaknesses on defense this season.
Their penalty kill, in particular, necessitates the addition of a player like Savard, known for his physical play and ability to block shots in critical moments.
With an affordable $3.5 million contract and playoff experience, Savard is the perfect profile to fill this void.
For the Canadian, LeBrun’s words could be an interesting lever. If the Oilers are truly as aggressive as LeBrun suggests, Kent Hughes could take advantage of this situation to maximize the return for Savard.
Montreal, which is focusing on the development of its young defensive brigade, would see such a transaction as an opportunity to strengthen its future while giving more ice time to Logan Mailloux, who should be in the NHL next season.
LeBrun, who is usually measured in his analyses, this time seems convinced of the outcome. His constant repetition of this rumor adds further credibility to the idea that David Savard will leave Montreal by the trade deadline.
For Montreal fans, these words resonate as a brutal reminder of the realities of professional hockey.
Even a player as respected and appreciated as Savard can be sacrificed for the good of the team in the long term.
As the deadline approaches, it is clear that the Oilers will not give up on their target. And with an insider as influential as Pierre LeBrun repeating the information ad vitam eternam, it becomes difficult not to believe that the end of David Savard’s adventure in Montreal is imminent.
LeBrun is also repetitive because he knows something that we don’t yet know.
We must not forget that other teams are showing interest. In addition to the Edmonton Oilers, the Ottawa Senators and the Winnipeg Jets are also in discussions with Kent Hughes to acquire the Quebec defender.
By joining Ottawa, Savard could stay close to Montreal, which would alleviate some of the anxiety for him and his family.
Just a two-hour drive from Montreal, Ottawa would allow Savard’s family to follow him and maintain his bearings while remaining connected to his support network.
Because in Edmonton and Winnipeg, his family will remain in Quebec.
In Ottawa, with a strong French-speaking community, Savard’s children could continue to benefit from an education in French, a priority for the couple.
However, Kent Hughes seems reluctant to send Savard to a division rival, which complicates negotiations with Ottawa.
Among the most worrying rumors for Savard, a transaction to Winnipeg is mentioned. Known for its geographic isolation, horrible weather and limited infrastructure, Winnipeg is often considered an unattractive destination for NHL players.
Even as the worst destination in the entire league.
For Savard and his family, a trade to the Jets would be a difficult shock to accept:
As the rumors intensify, David Savard and his family live in heavy uncertainty. For the Quebec defender, the idea of leaving Montreal represents a personal heartbreak, but certain destinations, like Ottawa or even Dallas and Colorado (also in the race for his services), would be easier to accept.
Either way, LeBrun tells us to forget about the other teams.
It will be Edmonton…
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