Revisiting The Blue Jackets Dealing David Savard to Tampa Bay

In light of the Columbus Blue Jackets playing the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight. I thought it would be a good time to revisit the trade that sent David Savard to the Lightning in April 2021.

Trade Breakdown

As part of a three-team deal, the Blue Jackets traded Savard to the Detroit Red Wings, who then retained 50% of his salary before flipping him to Tampa Bay. 

The Lightning sent their 2021 first-round pick and a 2022 third-round pick to Columbus, while Detroit received a 2021 fourth-round pick for their role in the trade.

Savard’s acquisition addressed Tampa Bay’s need for a stay-at-home defenseman to bolster their blue line depth. With his shot-blocking, physicality, and ability to shut down top players, Savard quickly became a key component of Tampa Bay’s defensive structure.

The trade paid off right away for the Lightning, as they went on to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup.

As for Columbus, the trade furthered their commitment to a rebuild, as they acquired valuable draft capital.

The 2021 first from the Lightning was used as part of the Seth Jones deal. After that deal, the Blue Jackets had their fifth overall pick that they selected Kent Johnson and the Blackhawks 12th overall pick that they used to draft Cole Sillinger.

As for the 2022 third round pick, the Blue Jackets selected Jordan Dumais with the 96th pick in the draft.

Former Blue Jackets' GM Jarmo Kekalainen had an eventful 2021 offseason, but it appears to have paid off, given the talented young players the Blue Jackets acquired through his trades.

What do you think? Please share your thoughts on our forum.