Insider David Pagnotta Links Montreal Canadiens and Oilers in Potential Trade
Despite the Canadiens' poor start to the season, it's still too early to say whether Kent Hughes and his team will be sellers at the trade deadline.
It's highly likely that the Canadiens' general manager will look to trade players who will become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, such as Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, and David Savard.
While the value of Dvorak and Armia remains uncertain, Savard's value could be quite strong, and a reputable insider has identified a team where the defenseman might end up.
David Savard linked to the Edmonton Oilers
According to David Pagnotta, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly looking to add an experienced defenseman to their lineup.
Stanley Cup finalists in 2024, the Oilers are determined to make another run in 2025, and adding a defenseman of Savard's caliber, who already won the Cup in 2021 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, could be key.
Savard is in the final year of the four-year contract he signed with the Canadiens in the summer of 2021.
It will be interesting to see whether Kent Hughes can secure a strong return for his veteran defenseman. The chances are quite good, as the trade market ahead of the March 7 deadline is not as strong as in recent years.
The most attractive players who will become unrestricted free agents next summer mostly play for top-tier teams. This will undoubtedly help boost the value of certain players, including the Canadiens' number 58.
David Savard, 34 years old, has four points in 18 games this season, with a -4 rating and four penalty minutes.
He plays a very important role mentoring young players like Lane Hutson, but it's true that trading him for a high return would be better than losing him «for nothing» next July.
