Three Potential David Savard Trades Ahead Of NHL Trade Deadline

Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche already have an incredible group of defenders but that doesn't mean they are content where they are. Since winning the Stanley Cup two years ago, they lost Erik Johnson who is a veteran right shot defenseman and they could look to replace him.

Apparently, they were one of the finalists in the running for Tanev, so it would make sense that they pivot to Savard and call the Canadiens next. They are the type of elite team that is thinking short term and would not be scared to move picks and prospects in a trade to acquire a player that can help them right now.

They already have an incredible top four with Cale Makar, Devon Toews, Sam Girard and Josh Manson, as well as Bowen Byram on the roster but could use a veteran right shot defender to play with Byram on the third pairing. They also traded away Kurtis MacDermid recently to open up a roster spot and could send down Caleb Jones to make just enough cap room for Savard.

This would give the Avalanche the deepest blue line in the league and make that a real strength going into the playoffs. The Canadiens could elect to retain some of the cap hit to make it a little more enticing for Colorado. Perhaps about $1 million just to give the Avs a tiny bit of wiggle room or the ability to call up a league minimum player to fill out their roster.

In return, the Canadiens would be looking for the Avalanche first round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.