With Sean Monahan recently traded, speculation arises about the next Montreal Canadiens player to potentially depart, especially with the trade deadline looming.
General Manager Kent Hughes may leverage the opportunity to offload some players who could interest other NHL teams. David Savard’s name surfaces indirectly, considering his intriguing profile.
Despite his manageable $3.5 million cap hit until the end of the 2024-2025 season, it’s Savard’s reliability on the ice that makes him an appealing option. Furthermore, his invaluable experience from winning the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2021 adds to his allur.
During an interview with Guillaume Lefrançois from La Presse this past weekend, the main subject acknowledges that his name will likely be in circulation until March 8.
While the notion of being traded for a stronger shot at winning may be enticing to any player, Savard remains firm in his desire to continue playing in Montreal. He expressed to the reporter that his objective is to remain in the city.
‘ I understand that the nature of the game is business, and circumstances can shift rapidly. Nevertheless, my hope is to remain here, and that remains my steadfast objective. I believe the organization shares a similar perspective. At least, I hope so! ‘ – David Savard
En 2022, Kent Hughes et Jeff Gorton ne s'en étaient pas tenus à échanger des joueurs de location. Irons-ils aussi loin cette année? Si oui, David Savard ne veut pas faire partie des joueurs sacrifiéshttps://t.co/w2WUQlTJmF
— Guillaume Lefrançois 🟦🇨🇿 (@glefrancoisLP) February 5, 2024
I’m not surprised by this.
Yesterday, I attended the Habs’ practice and couldn’t help but notice how comfortable Savard seemed in Montreal. He appeared genuinely happy, readily engaging with his teammates and exhibiting a strong sense of camaraderie.
It’s a widely held belief that veteran presence is crucial in a hockey team, and Savard epitomizes this concept by acting as a mentor figure to the younger players, akin to a big brother.
Savard’s value on the trade market is likely high due to his shot-blocking ability, consistent performance, and the trust he commands from any coach. However, I believe his worth to the Canadiens transcends monetary value. The team greatly benefits from his presence, especially given the emergence of young defensemen within the organization.
While acknowledging the capabilities of Mike Matheson, who is currently in his prime, I believe that Matheson may not be fully prepared to assume the role of mentor on a constant basis, unlike Savard, who at 33, embodies the perfect blend of experience and leadership.
If Savard were to depart, there would undoubtedly be a void in the leadership within the Habs’ locker room. This poses a significant concern, particularly in the context of a team undergoing a rebuild. Reflecting on the example of the Ottawa Senators’ struggles in recent years due to a lack of strong leadership, it becomes evident how crucial it is to maintain a cohesive and influential presence like Savard’s in the team dynamics
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