5 NHL Trade Deadline Deals the Toronto Maple Leafs Should Consider
By Mike Jack
5. David Savard - Stanley Cup experience for the Toronto Maple Leafs
If the Toronto Maple Leafs were to bring in another defense, David Savard would be a great fit.
He's a right-shot defense-first defenseman with a real knack for blocking shots.
He has size, but doesn't through his body around too much. He's a 33 year-old veteran presence with Stanley Cup experience who still has some juice left in him.
He was a trade deadline acquisition for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021, and helped them bring home the Stanley Cup.
Savard could be a great fit on a few pairings for the Toronto Maple Leafs who always seem to be looking for right-shot defensemen. He could pair nicely with Morgan Rielly, but he might fit best beside T.J. Brodie on a bottom pairing with an increased role on the penalty kill.
David Savard has another year left on his contract with a cap hit of $3.5 million after this season. The Montreal Canadiens should be able to retain salary, but even if they don't, the Toronto Maple Leafs should be able to squeeze him in under the cap.
Trade rumours have been very quiet in Montreal despite the team currently sitting 15 points out of a playoff spot. David Savard and Jake Allen seem like their most likely trade candidates. I think Savard could be had for a few mid-level picks or prospects with salary retention.