David Savard is playing himself into trade bait

In Thursday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild, the Montreal Canadiens faced a challenging first period, trailing 2-0. Despite conceding a last-second goal in overtime, their comeback journey from the early deficit showcased their resilience and made for an engaging game. Notably, defenseman David Savard played a pivotal role in the Canadiens’ turnaround, delivering some of his most impressive performances since returning from injury.

While there haven’t been any reported trade discussions involving Savard, the article argues that the 33-year-old defenseman, situated on a team in the midst of rebuilding, should be a prime candidate for a trade. In his five games back in action, Savard has accumulated three points and consistently logged over 20 minutes of ice time per game, establishing himself as a crucial player for the Canadiens. Despite trade talks predominantly centering around goaltenders in Montreal, the article emphasizes that Savard’s rapid ascent makes him an increasingly valuable asset.

Returning from an extended absence is a demanding feat, especially when immediately thrust into situations where one typically leads or closely follows in ice time. Savard has not only held his own defensively but has also contributed offensively, drawing attention to his well-rounded skill set. The article predicts that if he is not already on trade radars, it won’t be long before his current level of performance earns him a place there.

Caufield wraparound doesn't go, but ELITE SNIPER David Savard cleans it up. #Habs back in this one down just a goal. pic.twitter.com/n5Ot0AMLqN

— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) December 22, 2023

Savard brings championship experience, size, penalty-killing prowess, and emerging offensive capabilities to the table—a combination that typically garners interest from NHL general managers. The article suggests that if he can maintain his current form and stay healthy, there is a realistic chance of securing a substantial return in a trade, potentially comparable to the one received for Ben Chiarot not too long ago.

While there might be a temptation to retain Savard, the article advocates for the Canadiens to capitalize on any newfound league-wide interest, emphasizing the need for General Manager Kent Hughes to leverage Savard’s current performance as he has done in previous situations. The piece concludes by inviting readers to listen to the full “Bottom Six Minutes” podcast episode for additional insights after the upcoming game against the Chicago Blackhawks.