The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs seldom trade because they’re rivals. However, could a rare trade me in the works?
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Trades between the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs are exceedingly rare. Chris Johnston noted that the rivalry between these two iconic teams makes such deals even more uncommon. However, as the trade deadline approaches, it’s becoming increasingly clear that a potential deal involving Canadiens defenseman David Savard could make sense for both sides.
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Why a Trade Makes Sense for the Maple Leafs
Toronto has made significant strides on the defensive side of the puck this season, but there are still some areas of concern. One of the critical question marks is their third pairing. Summer signing Jani Hakanpää has been plagued by knee issues, playing only two games for the Leafs this season. While Conor Timmins’s resurgence has provided a nice story, his skill set might not be ideal for a team looking to deepen its blue line ahead of a playoff run.
Enter David Savard, a 34-year-old right-shot defenseman with a wealth of experience, including a Stanley Cup championship with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020. Savard’s playoff pedigree and steady, physical presence would give Toronto the defensive depth they need to make a deep postseason push. As a right-handed shot, Savard would also balance the Maple Leafs’ top six and potentially slot in alongside Morgan Rielly, giving Toronto a more stable and well-rounded defensive corps.
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Savard is a pending unrestricted free agent, and with the Canadiens already adding top-four defenseman Alexandre Carrier, it seems likely that Savard’s time in Montreal is ending. He represents an affordable option for the Maple Leafs, who can contribute to the penalty kill and provide reliable depth without breaking the bank. His $3.5 million AAV wouldn’t put too much strain on Toronto’s cap situation, especially with the playoffs in sight.
Why a Trade Makes Sense for the Canadiens
From the Canadiens’ perspective, moving Savard before the deadline makes sense, given their current position in the standings. Montreal is in the midst of a rebuild, and the addition of a younger, more mobile defenseman like Carrier signals that they’re focusing on the future. On the other hand, Savard is 34 and a pending UFA. He’s not part of the long-term plan.
Could Kent Hughes of the Canadiens trade David Savard?
Trading Savard to a team like Toronto in win-now mode would allow the Canadiens to recoup assets in return. While Savard’s play has dipped this season—likely due to Montreal’s overall defensive struggles—his body of work, particularly in a more structured environment, is still attractive to playoff-contending teams. For a team like Toronto, looking to bolster its blue line for a Stanley Cup run, Savard could be a low-risk acquisition with the potential to make a meaningful impact.
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Moving Savard within the division to a team like the Maple Leafs is rare, but it’s a trade that could help Montreal clear cap space and further its rebuilding efforts. While it might be tough to part with a player of Savard’s experience, the Canadiens are better off getting younger and more flexible for the future.
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The Bottom Line for the Maple Leafs and the Jets
While trades between bitter rivals like the Maple Leafs and Canadiens are exceedingly rare, a deal involving David Savard could work for both teams. Savard provides much-needed depth and stability on the blue line with playoff experience for Toronto, while Montreal can look to move him for assets as they continue their rebuild. With the Leafs still trying to fine-tune their defense and the Canadiens eyeing the future, this rare deadline trade could benefit both sides despite the rivalry.
