NHL Rumors: Top insider provides latest update on David Savard and Canadiens extension talks

The Montreal Canadiens traded for veteran defenceman Alexandre Carrier from the Nashville Predators on Dec. 18. Carrier has a cap hit of $3.75 million, which is $250,000 higher than defenseman David Savard's. Now, salary cap limitations and similar roles indicate that the Canadiens could trade Savard.

TSN Hockey insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the Canadiens and Savard have not discussed a contract extension. Savard, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, is expected to draw interest from other teams before the trade deadline.

LeBrun said Carrier’s arrival might lead to Savard's departure.

"It's not hard to draw a straight line between the arrival of Carrier and the eventual departure of David Savard, quality veteran for the Habs the last few years," LeBrun said (via TSN).

"He's a pending UFA, David Savard. There have not been any talks at all between Habs management and Savard's camp about a potential one-year extension."

The insider added that this could be Savard’s last season in Montreal.

David Savard has recorded six assists in 29 games this season, with an average of 18:49 of ice time. With a $3.5 million cap hit on his expiring contract, Savard could be traded as Montreal focuses on rebuilding. While preparing for the future, the team is also working to improve its current roster.

TSN Hockey jnsider Darren Dreger reported that Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is open to making moves to strengthen the team as the season progresseson.

"He is not selling off good young assets," Dreger said, noting that Barron was part of the trade.

The team brought in Carrier to help their young defensemen develop. This move gives them flexibility for future changes. Montreal's future moves will depend on their season’s progress. For now, Carrier’s arrival supports the team’s defense and development.

Loss to Columbus pushes Montreal Canadiens away from playoff contention

The Montreal Canadiens fell 5-4 to the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. Dmitri Voronkov opened the scoring at 12:03 of the first period. Kent Johnson added a highlight-reel goal to make it 2-0. Early in the second period, David Savard cut the lead to 2-1. However, Jordan Harris responded for Columbus, restoring a 3-1 lead.

Lane Hutson made it 3-2, and Jake Evans tied it 3-3. Joel Armia’s quick goal 20 seconds into the third period gave Montreal a 4-3 edge, but Voronkov's power-play tally and Kirill Marchenko’s go-ahead goal sealed the win for Columbus.

The Canadiens have recently performed well, winning six of their last 10 games. However, they are still out of playoff contention with a 14-17-3 record and sit in sixth place in the Atlantic Division.