Canadiens Deadline: Goalie Trade Options, Savard, Former Habs

It’s a poorly kept secret that the Montreal Canadiens are willing to move one of their goaltenders if an enquiring NHL team matches Kent Hughes’ asking price.

It’s been a recurring theme throughout the season, with all eyes on veteran Jake Allen.

And though many consider Allen a negative value player, it must be noted that he still ranks among the top 30 goaltenders at 5v5 when it comes to goals saved above average.

Trading A Netminder

Goalies rarely carry much value in the NHL due to an excess of options. Every team develops a handful of goaltenders, but there are only so many jobs available, which inevitably leads to some falling between the cracks, just as Samuel Montembeault did when the Florida Panthers waived him in 2021.

With that in mind, both Canadiens fans and Hughes should temper their expectations when it comes to potential returns in a trade involving Allen.

There’s still a chance Allen will be moved by the 3 pm deadline, though the options are starting to thin out.

The New Jersey Devils desperately need a goaltender, however, they seem to be focused on a bigger prize than Allen with the recent discussion surrounding Calgary Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom.

TSN also suggested the Detroit Red Wings may be in the market for goaltending reinforcements.

The David Savard Dossier

We know teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs enquired about the possibility of trading for Montreal Canadiens defenceman David Savard. As it stands, it seems teams are suffering through sticker shock, which has mitigated the possibility of a trade on Friday.

As Pierre LeBrun mentioned on RDS Friday morning, the Canadiens are in no rush to move Savard.

“Teams were calling Kent Hughes yesterday to see if the price has changed,” said LeBrun. “And no, the price did not change, and they don’t intend to change the price. They’re ready to keep Savard. The veteran is well-respected in the dressing room.”

While it’s certainly true Savard is a popular player in Montreal, there’s still the risk the Canadiens may miss their ideal trade window, just as they did last season when they refused to move Josh Anderson.

Hughes’ strategy is sound, in that it should lead to a higher return, but it also carries a certain level of risk, especially when we consider Savard’s underlying numbers have been in a constant decline in recent years.

On that note, he has looked good alongside Arber Xhekaj, which could further convince the Canadiens to keep him in the fold.

Former Habs

Five former members of the Montreal Canadiens are among those most likely to be traded by the deadline.

According to Daily Faceoff, one of the most popular trade targets will be Tyler Toffoli. He’s had a very good season with the New Jersey Devils, but seeing as the Devils refused to address their goaltending issues, they’re on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff ambitions.

Former Habs captain Max Pacioretty is also among the top three players listed on the trade bait board. He no longer possesses the type of speed and shooting that made him a great sniper in Montreal, but he has managed to score three goals and 12 assists in 26 games for the Washington Capitals, indicating that he can still bring a decent level of offensive impact to the table.

In addition, Brett Kulak (Edmonton Oilers), Jon Merrill (Minnesota Wild,) and Mike Hoffman (San Jose Sharks) wrap up the list of former Canadiens players who could end up with a new home by the end of the day.