The Montreal Canadiens find themselves in an exciting yet precarious position: they’re starting to win. After years of rebuilding and development, the team is finally “in the mix,” as management envisioned. Starting next season, they will want to proceed to the next step: pushing for a playoff spot. But this stage requires tough decisions, particularly around trading or retaining assets. Let’s dive into how players like David Savard, Mike Matheson, and Jake Evans fit into the team’s evolving strategy.
David Savard: Leadership vs. Opportunity
David Savard’s season hasn’t been his strongest. Once a top-four staple, he’s now on the third pairing, adjusting to a reduced role. Yet his value to the Canadiens transcends his on-ice performance. As a leader and mentor, especially for the team’s young defensemen, Savard’s presence is a steadying force. For a team in need of quality veteran depth and penalty killing abilities, this Stanley Cup winner could be tempting.
Still, the Canadiens’ lack of depth on the right side of their defense complicates matters. Trading Savard could open up opportunities for younger players, but it also risks leaving a leadership void at a critical juncture.
Would moving him for a late second-round pick or a B-prospect be worth the trade-off? Perhaps, but unlikely. Montreal must weigh the long-term gain against the short-term cost of destabilizing their defensive core. This is even more evident after Hughes himself reminded everyone of the importance of having quality veterans in his mid-season review yesterday.
Mike Matheson: The Steady Hand
Mike Matheson has been a workhorse for the Canadiens, but the need to play on the right side has affected his effectiveness. Even so, Matheson remains one of the team’s most reliable, smooth skating blue-liners, and his affordable contract—with a year left at under $5M—makes him an attractive trade piece.
Contenders value defensemen like Matheson, whose mobility and puck-moving skills fit the modern game. A first-round pick and additional assets would be a fair return for him, but trading Matheson would create a significant gap on Montreal’s back end. It’s a classic dilemma: stick with a dependable veteran to keep the playoff dream alive, or cash in on his value and continue the rebuild? For a team trying to transition from rebuilding to competing, it’s not an easy call.
Jake Evans: Time to Cash In?
Jake Evans has been a revelation this season. The 27-year-old is enjoying a career year, but his elevated shooting percentage hints at regression. As a pending UFA, Evans’ future in Montreal is uncertain. The Canadiens face a tempting question: should they trade him while his value is at its peak?
The emergence of young centers like Owen Beck and Oliver Kapanen adds a new layer to the discussion. Beck has exceeded expectations with the Laval Rocket in the AHL, while Kapanen, who began the season in Montreal, is lighting up the SHL with 13 points in 14 games. Their development could make Evans more expendable.
If a team offers a first-round pick for Evans, it’s hard to argue against taking it. Yet there’s always a risk in letting go of a proven performer, especially during a playoff push. Would Evans’ leadership and versatility be worth holding onto, even if it means overpaying to re-sign him? Or could this be the kind of contract, based on one good season, that teams end up regretting for years to come?
Other Pending UFAs
Adding to the depth issue at the center position is the fact that Christian Dvorak is also a pending UFA. Losing not one, but two veteran centers in Evans and Dvorak by trade deadline would leave the team very thin at that position, particularly in experience and faceoffs success. If the Canadiens choose to trade Evans, and the team remains close to a playoffs’ position, it might be wise to let Dvorak finish the season in Montreal at the risk of losing him for nothing this summer.
Lastly, you have right-winger and enigmatic Joel Armia as a pending UFA. A year ago, everyone wanted to see this guy gone but since coming back from a stint in Laval last season, he has return to his old self: a reliable and polyvalent two-way winger who excels in coverage and on the penalty kill, while providing strong forecheck and contributing a few goals. While desirable for any playoffs’ team, his market value is really uncertain when it comes to the return on a trade.
Building Through First-Round Picks
The Canadiens’ draft capital already looks promising, with their own pick and one from Calgary (or Florida). Adding another first-round pick or two at the trade deadline would open doors to game-changing opportunities. Packaging multiple picks could allow Montreal to move up in the Draft, targeting a blue-chip prospect to anchor the team’s future.
Alternatively, those picks could be used to acquire an established player from a rebuilding team. Imagine adding a proven scorer or a top-pairing defenseman to a roster on the cusp of playoff contention. The right deal could accelerate the Canadiens’ timeline while preserving their long-term vision.
Charting the Path Forward
The Canadiens are at a crossroads. Every move must balance the excitement of chasing a playoff spot with the discipline required to build a sustainable contender. Trading players like Savard, Matheson, or Evans could yield valuable assets, but retaining them might provide the stability needed for a postseason push. Similarly, stockpiling first-round picks offers tantalizing possibilities, whether through the Draft or the trade market. And with Ivan Demidov set to join the team next season, the future looks bright.
With momentum on their side, the Canadiens must tread carefully. The decisions made in the coming weeks will not only define this season but also shape the future of the franchise. For now, one thing is clear: the Habs are ready to make their mark.
