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.

The Montreal Canadiens are facing a critical decision on how to utilize their last salary retention slot. With players like Jake Allen and Jeff Petry still on the books, the team aims to maximize their return on potential trades involving Joel Armia, David Savard, and Christian Dvorak. There’s speculation around whether the Canadiens will retain salary for Armia's $3.4 million or Savard’s $3.5 million to entice suitors, especially given Dvorak’s $4.45 million cap hit as a UFA.

Dvorak, 29, has been suggested as a possible trade candidate, but his performance and financial considerations make it a delicate situation. Pagnotta believes Dvorak might remain with the Canadiens due to the balance of his production versus salary. Meanwhile, players like Armia and Savard could be more attractive to teams looking to bolster their rosters before the deadline.

The Montreal Canadiens are gearing up for potential trades as the season progresses. Key candidates like Joel Armia and Jake Evans are likely to attract mid-round picks or even first-round offers, respectively. David Savard might yield a second-round pick, while Josh Anderson, with two years left at $5.5 million, could draw interest depending on the return, especially if it doesn’t require extra assets.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers are on the lookout for depth. After adding John Klingberg, they might seek further blue-line reinforcement, particularly a left-handed defenseman due to concerns about injury depth. Additionally, a bottom-six forward is also a priority. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins' usage will influence their decisions, with names like Jordan Greenway coming up in discussions.

The Montreal Canadiens are evaluating their trade options as they navigate a challenging stretch, having lost eight of their last nine games and sitting six points out from playoff contention. With Jake Evans potentially facing a future without a contract, his emotional remarks about his tenure with the team have raised eyebrows. It's suggested that he and others could be traded soon, particularly as the Canadiens weigh their approach to both rentals and bigger hockey trades.

Reports indicate that the Canadiens are setting high prices for players like Evans and Joel Armia, reflecting a strategy rooted in past experiences. Montreal's management is keen on making impactful deals rather than settling for draft picks, which could reshape their roster significantly.

The Montreal Canadiens are actively engaging in trade talks regarding several of their pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs), including Jake Evans, Joel Armia, David Savard, and Mike Matheson. Teams are reportedly interested, with particular emphasis on Evans, whose extension negotiations have stalled significantly.

Evans' situation is particularly precarious as he may be moved by the trade deadline if no agreement is reached. Armia's perceived trade value is higher than anticipated, while Savard's right-hand shot bolsters his trade appeal in a market starved for defensemen. Matheson remains crucial to the Canadiens' blue line, leading in ice time but facing competition from younger prospects such as Lane Hutson and Kaiden Guhle.

Additionally, the Canadiens are eyeing young, NHL-ready forwards, with interest in players like Dylan Cozens from the Buffalo Sabres and Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks. They are also monitoring the availability of New York Islanders' Noah Dobson. With increasing trade inquiries as the Canadiens slide in the standings, a busy trade deadline is expected.