Canadiens: January Trade Deadline Power Rankings

2. David Savard

Raise your hand if you thought David Savard was going to be an offensive weapon for the Canadiens this season. Ok, maybe weapon is too strong of a word, but he’s been an unexpected surprise offensively, with 11 points in 21 games. That’s a 42-point pace over a whole season, which would easily be a career-high for him. And that’s on top of logging big minutes, killing penalties and blocking shots.  

Savard would be a coveted asset for any team making a playoff push at the trade deadline. Just like Ben Chiarot was two seasons ago for the Canadiens when he fetched them a first-round pick and a prospect. Or perhaps more fittingly, just like Savard was three seasons ago when he was acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for a first-round pick and a third-round pick.

Back then, Savard was about to become a UFA in the off-season where he ultimately signed with the Canadiens. But he helped the Lightning defeat the Canadiens to win the Stanley Cup before that. I’d bet he’ll be coveted again if the Canadiens are open to moving him. The only difference is this time, Savard has another year on his contract. That may scare some teams off, but I’d imagine that there would still be a lot of interest in Savard’s services.

I don’t think Hughes is looking to move Savard per se, but if the offer is right, Hughes will be more than willing to make a deal. He was cool doing that with Chiarot, and I envision the same will be true here. And if he doesn’t like the offers, he can wait another year and try again. But I think shifts like this explain why there may be a high demand for Savard:

Savard joins the rankings for the first time after not being ranked back in November. He is the prototypical trade deadline acquisition, and I think he’ll make any team that acquires happy with the role he serves. He’s also apparently a great presence in the locker room, so that should only help his trade value.