David Savard would serve a team in need of a stay-at-home player with top-four potential
Few defensemen on this list know how to get in front of pucks better than David Savard, as he has 103 blocks and counting for the Montreal Canadiens this season in just 37 games. That’s nearly 2.8 per contest, and any playoff-bound team looking for a blueliner willing to stop a few shots from reaching the crease should try to bring him in.
Savard is still willing to finish checks against opponents, as he also has 46 hits on the year, and when healthy, he can offer top-four minutes. He would be especially valuable for teams looking to keep him on for more than just the remainder of the season, as his contract doesn’t expire until 2024-25.
Expect teams not looking to go all-in this season to be strong contenders for Savard, especially those looking for help when they are shorthanded, as he has logged 122.3 minutes in his 37 contests this season. Despite playing for a rebuilding hockey team, he continues to be a strong asset at 5-on-5, with the Canadiens enjoying a solid 90.4 save percentage when he’s helping to box out opponents.