It appears the Montreal Canadiens may soon part ways with one of their veteran defensemen. Various reports indicate that the team is exploring options to trade David Savard, who joined the Canadiens as a free agent in the 2021 offseason.
Interestingly, Savard signed with Montreal shortly after he aided the Tampa Bay Lightning in defeating them in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun noted that there have been no recent contract discussions between Savard and the Canadiens, which could lead to a trade. LeBrun remarked on Insider Trading, “It’s easy to connect Carrier’s arrival with David Savard’s potential exit. He’s a pending UFA, and there haven’t been any conversations regarding a possible one-year extension between Habs management and Savard’s team. It seems likely this will be his final season with Montreal.”
Savard is currently in the last year of a four-year, $14 million contract he signed with the Canadiens in 2021. A native of Quebec, Savard has enjoyed the opportunity to play in his home province since joining the Canadiens after assisting the Lightning in securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup in 2021.
Drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2009 with the 94th overall pick, Savard spent the early part of his NHL career in Ohio before being traded to the Lightning at the 2021 NHL Trade Deadline.
During Tampa’s 2021 Stanley Cup run, Savard recorded five assists, including one on Ross Colton’s game-winning goal in the decisive Game 5 of the Finals.
Over his 824-game NHL career, Savard has tallied 53 goals and 180 assists, along with one goal and 15 assists in 57 playoff appearances.
