With the Canadiens’ rough start, Kent Hughes is likely to sell at the NHL trade deadline.

That will happen next March.

Among the Canadiens’ players set to become unrestricted free agents next summer, David Savard undoubtedly holds the highest trade value. According to recent report , there’s already speculation about what Kent Hughes might fetch in return.

Dennis Bernstein weighs in on David Savard’s trade value

In a recent discussion with insider David Pagnotta, journalist Dennis Bernstein suggested that if the Canadiens’ GM plays his cards right before the trade deadline, he could potentially land a first-round pick for the veteran defenseman.

If Kent Hughes waits for the right moment, he should secure a first-round pick in the draft. Some teams believe a veteran like David Savard could be the missing piece to complete their Stanley Cup contending puzzle.

A reliable right-shot defenseman who blocks shots, plays physically..

– Dennis Bernstein

This is intriguing news, as it’s clear that several contending teams would jump at the chance to add a defenseman of Savard’s caliber to their lineup.

It’s worth noting that Savard won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021 before signing a four-year deal with the Canadiens under Marc Bergevin.

This season, the Quebec-born defenseman has tallied four assists in 16 games. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

What would you do with David Savard, especially if he’s genuinely worth a first-round pick?

Could the Dallas Stars, long rumored to have interest in Savard, finally make a serious push for him?