With just days to go until the NHL Trade Deadline on March 7, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a crossroads. General Manager Kent Hughes faces the challenging task of balancing the need to support his young core against the necessity of maximizing trade value for veteran players nearing free agency.
The Canadiens are expected to be active on the trade front, exploring opportunities to acquire assets as they move forward. Players like Jake Evans and Joel Armia are expected to garner interest, providing Hughes with the chance to stockpile picks or young prospects to aid their rebuilding process.
Among the players under consideration is David Savard, whose value remains high as he exemplifies the kind of defensive defenseman coveted as teams gear up for the playoffs. Savard boasts impressive statistics; he ranks 11th in the league for blocked shots (126) and is part of the NHL's sixth-ranked penalty-killing unit, contributing to an 81.8% success rate.
At 34 years old, Savard offers teams stability and experience, yet his contract—carrying a cap hit of $3.5 million—will expire at season's end, making him a rental option for clubs seeking defensive depth. While teams will undoubtedly inquire about his availability, Hughes must weigh the benefits of trading Savard against his considerable contributions as both a player and leader within the Canadiens' locker room.
"He’s (Savard) the number one guy in my corner. Every game, every practice. I always look to him for advice… He’s always telling me to keep smiling no matter what. He’s the best guy to have on the team," said young defenseman Arber Xhekaj, underscoring Savard's importance on and off the ice.
Hughes has previously shown he will do what is best not only for the organization but for the players involved, as illustrated by his handling of the Jeff Petry trade. While Savard's preference to remain with the Canadiens can be taken under consideration—especially since he has realized his childhood dream by playing for his home team—it remains to be seen if Hughes will solicit his input or opt for the potential benefits of trading him away.
"Unfortunately, the demand for right-handed defensemen is not high at the moment," acknowledged Eric Engels of Sportsnet. He emphasized how acquiring Savard may prove difficult, with lower-return expectations, potentially limiting Hughes's incentives to part ways with the veteran.
To complicate matters, the Canadiens sit just five points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final wild card spot, attempting to remain competitive as they slog through the remainder of the season. Players entered the season expressing frustration with the constant losing and the notion of departing teammates at the deadline, which weighs heavily on morale. An established veteran like Savard could provide the leadership necessary for this young roster to navigate the challenges it faces.
Shifting attention to potential acquisitions, reports indicate Hughes is eyeing young, dynamic talent, with Matias Maccelli—a promising 24-year-old forward from the Arizona Coyotes—speculated as a trade target. Maccelli, known for his speed and playmaking ability, had previously showcased impressive scoring potential but has struggled this season with only 30 points.
"It makes total sense, as we know the Tricolore likes to go after these kinds of players with upside potential," stated Michael Petit of DansLesCoulisses, pointing to past additions like Alex Newhook and Kirby Dach as examples of Hughes targeting young forwards.
While teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers may also show interest, they lack the capital Hughes has to seal any trade. Maccelli's history of production could make him the kind of asset the Canadiens need to bolster their offensive lineup, enhancing their chances for the remainder of the season and beyond.
"If the CH is only two points from playoff contention by deadline day, Hughes may hesitate to deal all his veteran players on expiring contracts," suggested Vincent Damphousse. The former player is adamant the rebuilding strategy will remain intact, affirming Hughes's vision for the franchise.
"Regardless of what happens in the upcoming games, the plan for Kent Hughes won’t change," Damphousse reiterated. “He will not jeopardize the future.”
While Hughes is unlikely to become a buyer at the deadline, the Canadiens’ performance leading up to March 7 will certainly influence his decision-making. If the team can continue its winning streak, the allure of reaching the postseason could compel Hughes to retain some of his pending unrestricted free agents. On the contrary, if losses mount, expect the Canadiens to look to the future by trading away experienced players for draft capital and prospects.
Throughout the remaining games leading to the trade deadline, all eyes will be on how Hughes navigates these complex waters. The decisions made by the Canadiens’ management could set the tone for the franchise’s next chapter, weighing loyalty against pragmatism and potentially shaping the roster for years to come.
With this pivotal moment approaching, the Montreal Canadiens are poised to make moves—either solidifying their path to contention or fostering long-term growth through calculated trades. The balance will be delicate, yet the pressure is palpable. Montreal's fate is imminently resting within the hands of General Manager Kent Hughes and his strategic insights as the trade deadline looms large.