Ranking The Montreal Canadiens Defenders Most Likely To Be Traded At Trade Deadline

The "Can't See Them Being Here Long Term" Tier

These two players just don't seem to have a fit on the team long term and it would make sense to trade them now while they are healthy and have plenty of trade value.

2. Jordan Harris

Jordan Harris was drafted by the Canadiens the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft and signed with them in 2022 even though he could have chosen to become a free agent that summer. He has a connection to Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes going back to his minor hockey days so that would make it difficult for Hughes to trade him.

But, with so many options on the blue, where does Harris slot in? I think he is a good young player that makes a lot of smart plays on the ice, but he isn't phenomenal in any area either. He should develop into a reliable defender who could probably play on a second pairing.

That's great, but the Canadiens already have Guhle, Hutson, Xhekaj and Struble just on the left side. Reinbacher, Mailloux and Barron are going to be looking for spots on the right side.

Where does Harris fit? Probably in a trade and since he is signed through next season at just $1.4 million he is affordable at the trade deadline and contending teams will be calling on his availability.

1. David Savard

David Savard is the most likely Canadiens defender to get moved before the March 8th trade deadline. He checks so many boxes for contending teams that they are going to come calling with strong offers.

Savard is a right shot defender that kills penalties, blocks shots, prioritizes defensive responsibility, is a good leader and has Stanley Cup winning experience. These are all things NHL general managers absolutely love so they are definitely going to be interested in acquiring Savard.

He is signed through next season with a cap hit of $3.5 million, but that is not an impossible number for other teams to acquire late in the season, and with the salary cap increasing greatly in the summer they will be able to squeeze him in.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights could all be interested which could lead to a nice return for the Canadiens.