Ex-Lightning Defender Named Top Trade Candidate
This former Lightning defenseman could be moved this summer.
© David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports - Ex-Lightning Defender Named Top Trade CandidateLeading up to the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, former Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman David Savard was a notable name in the rumor mill. However, in the end, the Montreal Canadiens elected to hold onto him for the remainder of the season.
Yet, now that the offseason is here, trade chatter surrounding Savard is picking right back up. NHL insider Frank Seravalli listed Savard at the No. 14 spot in his latest Trade Targets board.
It is not surprising that Savard is entering the rumor mill again. The Canadiens are, of course, in the middle of a rebuild, and Savard is one of their most valuable trading assets. The 33-year-old is also entering the final season of his deal, and the Canadiens have plenty of defensive depth.
The Lightning were one of the several teams connected to Savard at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline, but don't expect that to be the same this summer. While bringing back the Quebec native would be nice, it is very unlikely that they will. They have just over $5 million of cap space after adding Ryan McDonagh and still need to re-sign Steven Stamkos.
Still, Savard should be a hot commodity in the trade market this summer. Some clubs who could look to acquire the shutdown right-shot defender include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, and Carolina Hurricanes.
We must wait and see what happens with the former Bolts defenseman from here.
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