Names like David Savard, Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak, and Joel Armia are being mentioned. David Pagnotta, a well-known NHL analyst, noted that Savard and Evans, who are nearing the end of their contracts, are attracting attention from several teams seeking depth and reliable players.
Savard is an experienced defenseman known for his reliability in the defensive zone, while Evans stands out as a defensive center capable of supporting the penalty kill. These qualities make them appealing candidates for teams looking to strengthen themselves ahead of the playoffs.
This scenario could give Kent Hughes the chance to acquire draft picks or promising prospects. The price will be high, as Pagnotta even states that Savard and Evans will be "at the top" of some teams' priority lists.
However, the decision to make trades will not be taken lightly. GM Hughes aims to build a competitive team while maximizing long-term assets. Depending on the Canadiens' results in the coming weeks, Hughes may choose to keep the team intact to further assess their potential or, alternatively, capitalize on his veterans' value to secure the club's future. The Canadiens' trade strategy remains a crucial element to watch in the months ahead.
It's worth noting that Evans was recently promoted to the Canadiens' second line, highlighting his strong start to the season, which will only increase his value.
It wasn't part of the original plan, but it will be interesting to follow in the coming weeks as the much-anticipated trade deadline approaches.
POLL | ||
In your opinion, who should the Canadiens trade before the deadline? | ||
David Savard | 246 | 17.7 % |
Jake Evans | 44 | 3.2 % |
Christian Dvorak | 1009 | 72.4 % |
None | 94 | 6.7 % |
List of polls |