If the Canadiens find themselves in a playoff spot as the trade deadline approaches, General Manager Kent Hughes will face some important decisions. One player who might be at the center of these discussions is veteran defenseman David Savard.

Savard’s contract runs until the end of the 2024-25 season, and given Hughes’ track record, it’s likely he’ll want to make the most of his assets. With Savard’s market value likely to be strong, Hughes might consider trading him for future prospects or draft picks, especially with Savard becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.

However, veteran presence is crucial for a team aiming to make the playoffs, which is why Grant McCagg believes the Habs won’t trade Savard if they’re in the playoff hunt by March.

During a discussion on the Sick Podcast, McCagg suggested that Hughes might even lean towards extending Savard’s contract rather than trading him:

There are two ways to look at this:

1. The Habs need someone like David Savard if they’re serious about making the playoffs.
2. The Habs risk losing him next summer if they allow him to enter free agency.

Ultimately, the Canadiens’ performance leading up to February and March will be the deciding factor. The Habs are lucky to have a player who wants to be in Montreal, thrives in a leadership role, and enjoys playing for the team.

But should Kent Hughes capitalize on this?

On the flip side, extending Savard’s contract could limit the development of the Canadiens’ young right-shot defensemen—Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, and Justin Barron—who need ice time to grow and improve.

Hughes faces a tough decision. Draft picks and prospects are valuable, but Savard’s current contributions, particularly his mentorship of younger players, are significant.

In my view, it’s a 50/50 call. The odds could shift further if the Habs are in the playoff race as the trade deadline approaches, just as Kent Hughes and the Canadiens’ management hope.