The Montreal Canadiens, despite a quiet trade deadline, are poised for an impactful summer, according to NHL insider Dave Pagnotta. He addressed speculation around key players like David Savard and Joel Armia, noting that the offers were underwhelming. Rather than making hasty moves, the Canadiens remain focused on maintaining competitive play as they approach the end of the season, giving younger players valuable experience.

Pagnotta anticipates that General Manager Kent Hughes will actively engage in the upcoming NHL Draft, suggesting that significant trades could emerge, similar to past years where the Canadiens successfully acquired talents like Kirby Dach and Alex Newhook. The focus now shifts to the draft in Los Angeles, where a more substantial move may be in the works, pointing to a strategic build-up for the future.

Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes opted against a trade deadline fire sale, a departure from previous years, as the team rallied with five straight wins, showing they were still in the playoff hunt. Hughes retained key unrestricted free agents, including David Savard and Christian Dvorak, rewarding the team's recent performance. This decision came after a period of struggles, where Hughes believed player performance would dictate trade actions, affirming his commitment to building a competitive roster.

Captain Nick Suzuki expressed frustration over the past trend of players leaving at the trade deadline, which Hughes acknowledged, stating that the players needed to hold themselves accountable. With the Canadiens vying for a playoff spot, Hughes' decisions signal a shift in strategy, focusing on retaining talent and building for the future with 12 draft picks at their disposal.

The Montreal Canadiens face a pivotal moment as they approach the trade deadline. With their playoff aspirations alive, sitting just one point out of a playoff spot, the temptation to retain veteran players is strong. However, the organization must prioritize future gains over short-term success. The Habs' decision to re-sign Jake Evans suggests a commitment to their competitive window, but the urgency of trading older assets like David Savard and Joel Armia should not be underestimated.

Both Savard and Armia, while valuable in the current season, represent opportunities to acquire future assets through trade. Holding onto them in hopes of a playoff push may lead to a loss of these assets to free agency without compensation. The Canadiens have already demonstrated resilience and growth in their young core, proving they can maintain competitiveness even in the absence of these veterans.

The NHL trade deadline approaches, and various defensemen are emerging as likely trade candidates. Among them, David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens stands out as a right-shot D-man set to become a UFA. His reasonable $3.5 million salary may attract contending teams looking for depth. Luke Schenn of the Nashville Predators brings physicality to the table, making him a viable option for teams in need of grit on the blue line. Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers, while an injury risk, could be a valuable asset due to his size and skill.

Brian Dumoulin of the Anaheim Ducks could serve as a cost-effective rental, while Connor Murphy of the Chicago Blackhawks might attract attention due to his potential for a fresh start. Carson Soucy of the Vancouver Canucks is becoming an unwanted player following a roster change, making him a low-cost option for teams. Younger players like Mario Ferraro from the San Jose Sharks or Bowen Byram of the Buffalo Sabres could command a higher price but represent long-term investments.

As the March 7 NHL trade deadline approaches, teams are evaluating their rosters, with many seeking to trade veterans for future assets while others look to enhance their playoff chances. Among the notable pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) likely to be moved before the deadline are Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, David Savard from the Montreal Canadiens, and Nick Bjugstad of the Utah Hockey Club. Each player brings a unique skill set and playoff experience that could significantly impact a contending team.

Brock Nelson, with a $6 million cap hit, has been an integral part of the Islanders' lineup and boasts a respectable 36 points this season. David Savard, despite a lower point total, offers invaluable playoff experience, particularly from his time helping the Tampa Bay Lightning secure the Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, Nick Bjugstad has proven himself in the postseason, making him an appealing trade target for teams looking to bolster their forward depth. Other UFAs like Brock Boeser and Jake Evans are also generating trade interest due to their offensive capabilities and strong two-way play, respectively.