Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard. David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens trade may have fallen through after game against Pittsburgh

Originally posted on Habs Fanatics | By Elias Adaime | Last updated Dec 13, 2024 4:20 PM ET

The Montreal Canadiens' Thursday night game against the Pittsburgh Penguins will certainly leave its mark.

Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton must have observed it closely because it was undeniably a grimly significant game in this early season, and it will clearly impact the Canadiens' upcoming transactions.

According to Eric Engels of Sportsnet, the game might have been a major wake-up call for the Habs management, specifically regarding one key situation.

Will David Savard's name be pulled off the trade market?

It was widely expected that Savard would inevitably be traded before the deadline, as his contract expires at the end of this season. But did the game completely change the plan?

"David Savard has more value to the Canadiens than on the market. We were reminded of that on Thursday in his absence."

Indeed, the veteran defenseman missed Thursday night's game, being scratched at the last minute, and his absence seemed to have a significant negative impact on the Canadiens defense.

What do you think? Should Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton still trade David Savard before the deadline, even after Thursday night's embarrassing performance?

He clearly has a major impact on the ice, in the defensive zone, on the penalty kill and also in the locker room.

This has become increasingly apparent. Trading him would truly hurt the team.

David Savard, aged 34, has 5 points in 27 games this season, with 20 penalty minutes and a -5 rating.

He earns $3.5 million per year through the end of this season and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 (UFA) unless something changes.

According to several sources, the Canadiens could receive a late first-round pick in exchange for his services.

At that price, would you trade him?

This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

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