Two things are certain about the Nashville Predators' defense this season. Roman Josi is the top defenseman and will play top minutes and Alexandre Carrier fits perfectly on the second pairing. Beyond that, there is wiggle room and a need to add a top-4 defenseman before the trade deadline in anticipation of a playoff run.

That being said, that defenseman will emerge and there will be a clearer picture in time, but as of now, David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens appears to be a great option for the Predators.

Josi needs a partner for the top pairing, and that will either be Dante Fabbro, who was a healthy scratch at times last season, or Brady Skjei, pushing Josi over to his off-side. Neither of these are ideal, but Josi managed a stellar season with another left-shot defenseman, Ryan McDonagh, playing beside him last season.

Nashville Predators goaltender Scott Wedgewood and defenseman Brady Skjei speak to the media in person for the first time since signing contracts in free agency on July 1.

Heading into the playoffs with Josi, Skjei Carrier, Fabbro, Jeremy Lauzon, and Luke Schenn would be too close to last season given Skjei is the only new addition there. The team will be in a much better place to add in 2025 for a playoff run and have the assets to do so.

There is no immediate internal fix as Spencer Stastney is the next up and he plays on the left side, likely on the third pairing when he gets in the lineup. There is no reason not to add before the deadline this season, especially if the Predators can move Schenn who has another year left on his deal after this season.

Canadiens' Reason for Trading Savard

Let's dive into Montreal. Why would the team trade Savard? The veteran is heading into the final year of his deal and there are more than enough young and talented d-men on the team and in the organization as is.

There were trade rumors involving Savard at the 2024 trade deadline, but nothing came of them. With another year of development for some of the young defensemen like Lane Hutson, David Reinbacher, and Logan Mailloux, the timing is immaculate to trade Savard.

Nashville Predators defenseman Alexandre Carrier speaks to the media after signing a three-year, $11.25 million contract in free agency.

His cap hit of $3.5 million AAV is very reasonable and he has proven for years that he is able to shut down opponents and handle top-4 minutes. The Canadiens aren't expected to be in position to make the playoffs again, but it is coming. If they don't surprise and that's the case, the expectation is that Savard is moved. Montreal won't want to take the chance of losing him for nothing and he is 33 years old. There's no use in him blocking a roster spot for a defenseman of the future that can help right now.

If Nashville acquires Savard, there may be a place on the top pairing for him if Josi and Skjei haven't formed an elite duo with great chemistry by then. If not, even though I don't imagine Carrier being pushing down the lineup, Savard could slot in on the second pair.

Realistically, a top six for the Predators would look like Josi - Savard, Skjei - Carrier, and Lauzon - Fabbro/Stastney. That is what the Predators can be much more confident going into playoffs looking like. Keep an eye out for Savard on Nashville's radar as the season progresses.

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