The Edmonton Oilers’ interest in Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard aligns with their need for a veteran presence to bolster their blueline, especially given their struggles on the penalty kill this season. Savard, 34, brings a physical style of play and defensive reliability, qualities that could complement Edmonton’s current roster as they push for playoff success.
In the final year of his four-year, $14 million contract, with a manageable $3.5 million cap hit, Savard is an attractive rental option for teams looking to shore up their defense. For Montreal, trading him ahead of the deadline could provide a return in assets rather than risking losing him in free agency.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Oilers are actively evaluating the market for defensemen, with GM Stan Bowman looking to address deficiencies later in the season. Savard is reportedly among the top targets, and Edmonton’s need for a stronger penalty kill makes him a particularly good fit. If the Oilers pursue this deal, it will likely involve a reasonable package, ensuring they don’t overpay for what could be a short-term fix.
David Savard’s solid defensive play and physical presence make him a logical trade target for the Edmonton Oilers as they seek to address their league-worst penalty kill and improve their defensive depth. In 18 games this season, Savard has four points and a +1 plus/minus rating, including a standout 20:52 performance in Montreal’s 3-0 victory over the Oilers. His ability to log heavy minutes and contribute defensively is exactly what Edmonton needs.
Financially, however, the Oilers face challenges. With only $360,000 in cap space, acquiring Savard would require them to offload salary via trade or waivers. Given that Savard is in the final year of a $3.5 million cap-hit contract, this move would likely involve careful cap management. Edmonton might consider leveraging their future draft picks, such as their second- or third-round selections in 2025 or even their 2026 first-round pick, to secure the deal.
The timing of this decision will be critical. As Pagnotta noted, while the Oilers are strategically evaluating their options, they remain cautious about spending too early in the season. Savard’s fit and the potential return for Montreal suggest this deal could be mutually beneficial if the Oilers find a way to make the financials work.
