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.

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.