Why the Maple Leafs Would Benefit from a Trade
Although Toronto’s defense has improved significantly this season, there are still certain areas that need attention. Their third pairing is one of the crucial ambiguities. Jani Hakanpää, a summer acquisition, has only appeared in two games for the Leafs this season due to knee problems. Conor Timmins’ comeback has made for a compelling tale, but a team hoping to bolster its blue line before a postseason run would find his skill set unsuitable.
Here comes 34-year-old right-shot defenseman David Savard, who has won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and has a plethora of experience. Toronto would have the defense depth they need to make a strong postseason run thanks to Savard’s playoff experience and consistent, tough presence. In addition to balancing the Maple Leafs’ top six, Savard, a right-handed shooter, might be able to play with Morgan Rielly, providing Toronto with a more reliable and complete defensive corps.
The Canadiens have already signed top-four defenseman Alexandre Carrier, so it appears probable that Ezoic Savard’s time in Montreal is coming to an end. Savard is an upcoming unrestricted free agent. He is a cost-effective choice for the Maple Leafs who can add to the penalty kill and offer dependable depth without going over budget. With the playoffs approaching, Toronto’s cap situation wouldn’t be overly strained by his $3.5 million AAV.
Why the Canadiens Would Benefit from a Trade
From the Canadiens’ perspective, trading Savard before the deadline makes sense, considering their present position in the standings. Montreal is in the midst of a rebuild, and the signing of a younger, more mobile defenceman like Carrier suggests that they’re focusing on the future. On the other side, Savard is 34 and a pending UFA. The long-term plan does not include him.
Would the Canadiens’ Kent Hughes be willing to trade David Savard?
The Canadiens would be able to recover assets if they traded Savard to a team like Toronto that was in win-now mentality. Even while Savard’s play has declined this season—likely as a result of Montreal’s general defensive issues—his body of work is still appealing to clubs that are vying for a spot in the playoffs, especially in a more regimented setting. Savard might be a low-risk addition that might have a big impact for a team like Toronto that wants to strengthen its blue line in preparation for a Stanley Cup run.