Canadiens Rumors: Montreal Contemplating 3 Trade Offers for David Savard

The Montreal Canadiens will need to be blown out of the water to move defenseman David Savard. 

The team loves what he's doing for mentoring the young D in Montreal and even though they could cash in and should cash in because of how far they are from contending, it doesn't sound like GM Kent Hughes is willing to pull the trigger.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning and Detroit Red Wings have all been snooping around so there could be some legs to a deal before 3pm Friday. Savard is signed through next season at $3.5 million and does not hold any trade protection. He's a shot-blocking wizard who can play top-four minutes and kill penalties, something playoff-bound teams could always use more of. 

Savard prefers to stay in Montreal, from all accounts, but moving to a contender could be something he has no control over if Hughes is blown away by an offer. 

So far it seems like it will take at least a first-round pick and prospect to get Savard from the Habs, much more than we've seen on the market for the likes of Chris Tanev and potentially Matt Dumba out of Arizona. Both Dumba and Tanev are pending free agents and the extra value comes from the extra year of control.

The very latest on Savard buzz:

#GoHabsGo David Savard. Big coveted RHD who has a history of performing well in the playoffs

An excellent PKer, Blocks Shots like crazy, physical in small areas, and can bring leadership to the backend.

1yr left on his deal and if I’m the Habs, I’d want to keep him as a mentor

— Jared Brown (@JaredBrownn97) March 8, 2024

Latest Montreal Canadiens Trade Deadline updates:

- Jake Allen could be moved, but the options are thinning out.

- Kent Hughes is unwilling to lower his price tag on David Savard.

- Several former #GoHabsGo players are expected to be on the move⬇️https://t.co/FX6ZJqygH2

— Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) March 8, 2024

If David Savard is traded, it’s because Hughs got exactly what he wanted for him. I don’t believe Hughs is in any rush to trade anyone. There’s no need at the moment. There’s one retention spot left, so if he has a choice between retaining salary on Allan or Savard, Allen is gone

— Mike Wizowski (@Mike_Wizow) March 8, 2024

Photo credit: Josh Lee USA TOday