The Montreal Canadiens approach the trade deadline as sellers and are surely taking calls on some of their veteran players.
They don't have a lot of players that need to be traded, like say, the Calgary Flames did this season, so don't expect a complete firesale but trades could be coming. A couple of veterans names have been out there like Joel Armia, Tanner Pearson and Jake Allen but a combination of high cap hit and low production makes a trade less likely to happen.
The biggest trade chip the Canadiens hold at the moment is David Savard. The right shot veteran defender is a defensive player who blocks shots, kills penalties and is hard to play against which makes him a dream addition for most National Hockey League general managers looking to win a Stanley Cup this season.
This is exactly the role Savard played three years ago when the Tampa Bay Lightning acquired him for first and third round draft picks before winning their second consecutive Stanley Cup. He played a shutdown role for them and gave them added depth on the blue line for that run.
There has been some debate leading up to the trade deadline about whether it makes more sense to trade him or keep him since he is such a valuable leader on the Canadiens. He is also signed for one more season at a reasonable cap hit of $3.5 million so there is no rush to move the 33 year old.
However, a prominent Canadiens insider, and reporter for Sportsnet, believes Savard will be on the move before the trade deadline.
Engels: I See Habs Making A Trade & Paying Some Salary...#Habs #GoHabsGo #thesickpodcast@tonymarinaro @EricEngels pic.twitter.com/sQSi63PJNp
— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) March 5, 2024
Eric Engels was on the Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro and he believes Savard will be traded before Friday's deadline and that the Canadiens will retain salary on the deal.
It would take a solid offer to get the Canadiens to act, but right defensemen are not plentiful on the trade market. Ilya Lyubushkin just got traded for a third round pick after recording four points in 55 games and mediocre defensive play while being big and phsyical.
Savard is better defensively, much better offensively and has that winning experience that hockey people love. This trade doesn't happen unless the Canadiens get a big return and it sounds like it is going to happen, at least according to Engels.
That is something to be excited about Habs fans.