It’s time for another edition of NHL Rumours. This week has been surprisingly busy despite it being the month of August. We’ve seen signings, trades and all sorts of off-season action. However, we still have plenty of rumours to discuss on the hot stove. One team that’s been busy this week is the Montreal Canadiens. However, the team may not be done making moves. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a defenceman that could be on the move.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Future of Montreal Canadiens Defenceman
Rumour: Eric Leblanc of French-Canadian media outlet RDS talked to blueliner David Savard in recent days. The veteran blueliner is aware that he could possibly be on the move this season. (Original source is in French.)
Analysis: Savard is entering the final year of his contract that sees him make $3.5 million. The 33-year-old had been rumoured to be on the move at the last trade deadline. However, a deal did not materialize in March.
Some teams might have had some issues taking on Savard for more than one season. However, his contract might be easier to absorb with him entering the final year of his agreement.
The St. Hyacinthe, Quebec native said he’s aware of the trade chatter around with him and will deal with it the best he can. Athletes that here their name in rumours are often aware that they could be traded at any point.
Clearing a Logjam
Savard said “It’s out of my control, I also understand that the organization counts on a lot of youngsters. There will be rumors, I will have to deal with that and not think about it on a daily basis. It’s part of reality. But I bring a different side to the youngsters, I have experience and I try to help them. If they let me go, I’ll leave them in a better position.”
Montreal has amassed a solid core of young defencemen, but have already made some moves to clear that glut of talent. Young blueliner Jordan Harris was sent to the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of the Patrik Laine trade. Habs General Manager Kent Hughes also moved Johnathan Kovacevic to the New Jersey Devils earlier in the summer.
Hughes has young prospects like David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux that could push for roster spots. Moving Savard could allow one or both of these players to get time at the NHL level.
A Tangible Asset
Savard is a former Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning and has plenty of experience. He could be someone that a contender adds to shore up defensive depth. Plus, his cap hit is fairly digestible at $3.5 million.
The Habs did make it be known they want to move up the standings this year in picking up Laine. However, Savard could get moved and allow Montreal to get some flexibility for the future.
It seems that Savard’s time in Montreal could come to an end this season. However, he’s well aware of this and might be someone a team acquires for a post-season push.
Main photo by: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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