Upcoming Canadiens trade: Kent Hughes faces a major dilemma
Although the Montreal Canadiens general manager mentioned wanting to keep his veterans at the trade deadline, the bad start to the season is certainly likely to change the management's plans.
If Kent Hughes had indicated that his players at the end of their contract would stay with the team, it is mainly because he envisioned that the team could be in the mix and play significant games at the end of the season.
However, now that this scenario seems out of reach for Martin St. Louis' men, the CH GM will have no choice but to evaluate the possibility of trading a few veterans in order to obtain additional assets to continue the rebuilding process.
They currently have four upcoming free agents, which are Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak, David Savard and Joel Armia. Of those four, Jake Evans and David Savard will probably be interesting choices to multiple teams at the end of the season.
However, given the way the market is shaping up, Savard could be the most difficult decision to make of all the Canadiens' upcoming free agents." - Marco D'Amico
With the Canadiens already lacking a right side of their defense, Kent Hughes will face a major dilemma: trade David Savard to a playoff team or keep the Quebec defenseman with a view to offering him a contract extension by July 1st.
On top of that, nothing to help the staff in its decision, David Reinbacher's injury puts his development on hold and prevents the management from determining if the 5th overall pick in 2023 is ready to take on significant responsibilities in Martin St. Louis' defense, starting next year.
However, given Savard's experience, a Stanley Cup winner, the Canadiens' ability to retain his salary and the few defensemen available at his position, we expect that interest in his services will be high." - Marco D'Amico
It will therefore be very interesting to see what Kent Hughes will do with his future free agents as the trade deadline approaches.
Do you think the Montreal Canadiens should trade David Savard?
Personally, if the Canadiens can get their hands on a first-round pick or a quality prospect, I believe that Hughes will not be able to pass up such an opportunity, especially since the Quebecer is 34 and will no longer be with the organization when the team reaches maturity.
| POLL | ||
Should Kent Hughes trade David Savard for a first-round pick? | ||
| Yes | 180 | 88.2 % |
| No | 24 | 11.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
