Poor David Savard. As the trade deadline approaches, the noose tightens around the veteran Montreal Canadiens defenseman.
More and more fans want him to leave, to the point where far-fetched scenarios are circulating, suggesting a trade that would bring Kristopher Letang to Montreal to replace him, even if Pittsburgh were to withhold part of his $6.1 million salary until 2028.
A brutal observation for a player who, despite the weight of the years, remains a leader in the CH locker room.
Savard, a warrior who never hesitates to block shots and play his role as a mentor to young people, sees his importance being questioned in a context where the Canadian is in the middle of a fight for a place in the playoffs.
Already last year, Savard was seen as an interesting bargaining chip for an aspiring team because of his experience and leadership.
But this year things are different.
According to Pierre LeBrun, the Canadiens, who have compiled an impressive 12-3-1 record since December 17, are now fully engaged in the playoff race.
This complicates the decision for Kent Hughes, who finds himself faced with a dilemma: take advantage of Savard’s current value on the trade market or keep him to help the team hope for a playoff run.
Keeping Savard means taking the risk of losing him forever at the end of the season.
At 33, the Quebecer will be free as the air this summer, and with a championship already in his pocket (won in 2021 with Tampa Bay), his future is not in Montreal.
Either way, the CH wants nothing to do with giving him a new contract.
But at the same time, his attachment to Montreal is undeniable. Savard loves the city, the market, and his role within the team. This is a good think for the general director of the CH.
The fact remains that Kent Hughes is intractable. He wants nothing to do with prolonging it.
What makes the situation even more difficult for Savard is the shadow of Kristopher Letang, whose name is circulating more and more in the rumors.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, in the midst of a crisis of results, would be ready to sacrifice their veteran defender as part of a reconfiguration of their workforce around Sidney Crosby, Bryan Rust and Evgeni Malkin.
According to the latest information, the Penguins no longer consider Letang untouchable. And with the salary cap rising looming, several teams will be interested.
What seemed impossible a few months ago becomes possible today, especially with salary deduction.
However, the numbers remain overwhelming: Letang is signed until 2028 at an annual cost of $6.1 million. Even with a salary reduction, his acquisition would represent a huge risk for Montreal, especially with the presence of young right-handed defensemen like Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher.
For the Penguins, the priority is clear: surround Crosby and Malkin with young players capable of supporting them in a final attempt to conquer the Stanley Cup.
-Players like Bryan Rust, Philip Tomasino and Owen Pickering are now seen as the centerpieces of the future.
This means veterans like Letang and Erik Karlsson are available for a trade
However, the challenge for Pittsburgh is to find a buyer for these heavy contracts, and Montreal seems to be an ideal target on paper, but far from enthusiastic about absorbing such financial commitments.
Kent Hughes has demonstrated in the past that he is willing to make sacrifices to build a sustainably competitive team.
He must now decide whether taking Letang on the cheap – while getting rid of Savard – is a viable avenue or a mistake that would hamper the development of the young defensive guard.
He already has his answer: Letang will not come to Montreal, regardless of the rumors.
The trading market has sent a clear message to general managers, most notably with the recent trade of Phil Tomasino to the Penguins for a mere fourth-round pick.
This means that even a player like Savard, with his experience and value as a rental player, might not bring much in return.
If Tomasino, a young 23-year-old forward, is only worth a late pick, imagine Savard’s perceived value on the market.
With the recent acquisition of Alexandre Carrier, another right-handed defender with experience, the Canadian could more easily get rid of Savard without weakening his defensive brigade too much.
But is this the best decision for a team that wants to qualify for the playoffs?
Savard or Letang? Keep the status quo or take a bold step? Kent Hughes is faced with difficult choices which will have a major impact on the rest of the CH season.
With growing pressure from fans and the team’s delicate position in the playoff race, the general manager will have to evaluate whether Savard’s leadership is more valuable than a return as a draft pick. (who will not be a 1st round pick)
As the trade deadline approaches, David Savard continues to endure increasing pressure. Between rumors, expectations and uncertainties, his future in Montreal is more unclear than ever.
If some supporters want him to leave, the reality is that his experience could prove crucial to the CH’s aspirations.
Kent Hughes will have to decide, and quickly, because each day that passes brings CH closer to a point of no return.
Whatever happens, Savard faces an inevitable conclusion: in Montreal or elsewhere, it will soon be time to turn the page.
Even if he remains as a rental player.
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