Insider Connects Carrier Arrival to Split of Savard and Canadiens

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun noted in the latest TSN Insiders segment that fans should expect a David Savard trade. The acquisition of Alexandre Carrier by the Montreal Canadiens will lead to the inevitable exit of the defenseman. Suggesting the Carrier trade is the precursor to a Savard trade, LeBrun potentially believes that deal is on the horizon.

The NHL insider argued it was not hard to draw a straight line between the arrival of Carrier and the eventual departure of David Savard. A pending UFA, Savard has been a quality veteran for the Habs. There will be interest from other NHL clubs.

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LeBrun noted:

“There have not been any talks at all between Habs management and Savard’s camp about a potential one-year extension, none of that. So it does feel like this would be his last year in Montreal, and inevitably, if the Habs are where they are in the standings, closer to March 7th, probably a rental trade to another team for David Savard, although I don’t think Montreal’s in any hurry to move him, because the whole point of getting Carrier as well was to shelter some of their youth on defense.”

Canadiens Didn’t Just Make the Carrier Trade to Move Savard

The Canadiens made the deal to bring in another leader, not necessarily replace one leader with another. However, if Savard is a coveted asset and there isn’t a plan to extend him, the Canadiens will likely trade him. They have some work to do if they want in the playoff conversation.

The closer the Canadiens get to the playoffs and aren’t in the running for a spot, the more likely a trade. At that point, expect Savard to get pulled in anticipation of a pending deal.

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