A Red Wings Trade Rumor That Makes a Modicum of Sense

There are going to be plenty of players connected to the Detroit Red Wings via NHL trade rumors over the next few weeks leading up to the March 8 trade deadline. Here at Detroit Hockey Now we’re going to do our best to cut through the rhetoric and the hype and assess whether any suggested deal makes sense from the Detroit perspective.

Today, we’ll taking a look at a rumor from Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report connecting Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard to the Red Wings.

Why Savard To Red Wings Makes Sense

Detroit defenseman Jeff Petry hasn’t played since Jan. 2. He underwent surgery on Feb. 2 and was given a 6-8 week timeline for a return to action.

With Petry uncertain for the stretch drive, it’s likely that Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman is going to be in the market for a depth defenseman. Minus Petry, the only current option should a member of Detroit’s defensive corps go down would be William Lagesson. In brief action with the Wings this season, Lagesson was found to be wanting. The team is unlikely to want to be counting on him as a regular during a playoff chase.

David Savard celebrates a Stanley Cup victory #TBL #CBJ pic.twitter.com/f287XWXb0v

— Alison (@AlisonL) July 8, 2021

As Richardson points out, Savard, 34, would certainly be a stalwart addition. He’s a steady performer, a shutdown defenseman and a coveted right-shot defender. His $3.5-million annual stipend would fit under Detroit’s salary cap.

He was even previously a Red Wing, albeit briefly and only on paper. At the 2021 NHL trade deadline, Detroit dealt defenseman Brian Lashoff to Columbus for Savard. Then Yzerman was immediately shipping Savard to Tampa Bay for a 2021 fourth-round draft pick. As part of the deal, Detroit was agreeing to eat a portion of Savard’s salary. He would win a Stanley Cup with the Lightning that spring.

Why Savard To Detroit Isn’t Likely To Happen

Savard is a top-four defenseman and Detroit isn’t going to want to break up the Moritz Seider-Ben Chiarot and Simon Edvinsson-Albert Johansson top-four pairings that have proven so effective during the club’s hot streak. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes reportedly desires a first-round draft choice in exchange for Savard. Yzerman won’t be paying that price.

David Savard, the former Blue Jacket we all expected to light the lamp, obviously! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/YdG1f3EZNr

— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) December 24, 2024

Traditionally, Yzerman also isn’t a GM who looks to trade for rental players. As much as the Red Wings want – perhaps even need – to make the playoffs this spring, Yzerman isn’t going to be looking to make a short-term move that will have a negative impact on his long-term plans for the team.