NHL insider Chris Johnston floats "exceedingly rare" trade proposal between Maple Leafs and Canadiens for $14,000,000 D-man

NHL insider Chris Johnston has suggested a trade between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. In an article released on The Athletic on Thursday, Johnston proposed that the Leafs consider acquiring Canadiens defenseman David Savard.

This trade would help Toronto strengthen its defense ahead of the playoffs.

"Despite making significant strides on the defensive side of the puck this season, the Leafs still have some question marks." Johnston wrote.

"Summer signing Jani Hakanpää has only been healthy enough to play two NHL games this season because of lingering knee issues, and as good of a story as Conor Timmins’ re-emergence has been, he may not be ideally suited for what the team wants to get out of its third pairing come playoff time."

Savard is currently signed to a four-year, $14 million contract with the Canadiens. His deal, signed in 2021, carries a $3.5 million annual cap hit and ends after the 2024-25 season.

He is a veteran defenseman with playoff experience, including a key role in Tampa Bay’s Stanley Cup win in 2021. Johnston suggested that Toronto could use his experience and defensive reliability to address gaps in their lineup.

"As an added bonus, Savard has playoff pedigree and would give Toronto a level of depth at the position usually needed to go on a long run. He might even slide alongside Morgan Rielly and give them better balance from top to bottom," Johnston wrote.

Toronto has been performing well this season, sitting second in the Atlantic Division. New head coach Craig Berube has the team competing hard despite injuries.

Captain Auston Matthews has missed games with an upper-body injury, but the team remains strong. William Nylander leads in goals with 23, and Mitch Marner has 36 assists and 46 points. Their improved defense and balanced offense have made them playoff contenders.

Pierre LeBrun suggested Oilers acquiring David Savard from Canadiens

Pierre LeBrun suggested the Edmonton Oilers as a possible landing spot for Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard.

The Canadiens (14-17-3) acquiring Alexandre Carrier makes Savard’s trade likely. Additionally, playoff hopes for Montreal remain slim due to strong competition in the Atlantic Division, with teams like Boston, Florida, Tampa Bay and Toronto.

"I think as a sixth or seventh defenseman who can help kill penalties and who won a Cup with the Lightning — plus is a right-shot D — he’s a sensible idea for Edmonton." LeBrun wrote.

"Especially considering I don’t think Savard would cost an arm and a leg. That will be appealing for an Oilers team without a first-round pick this year."

The Oilers, who lost in Game 7 of last season’s Stanley Cup Final, need defensive depth. They moved on from Philip Broberg in the offseason and are dealing with injuries, including Evander Kane’s absence.