i wouldnt be surprised if something like this goes through. just think itll be a little less than a first

I think this is a good trade for Edmonton, but I am unsure if Montreal does it. A first is a first but the season is lost if Guhle doesn't develop. He's done well with Savard, not sure how he'd hold up with Barrie

Hughes said he's targeting a 1st in 2023 draft and Holland's job is on the line. The cap space is huge rn. The fact they save a million is worth a ton. If the Habs don't get a 1st, Mtl will just wait it out til the TDL. Edmundson is also on the block.

Things will get dicey though when Matheson returns next month so there is a pressure point there for Hughes. If he waits til the TDL, he will get a 1st for Savard, I have no doubt after the Chiarot return at 2022 TDL and Savard is playing bigger minutes rn.

Barrie can take Wideman's spot on 3rd pair. Wideman can be put on waivers and sent down. The fact Kovacevic lasted a month means he can also go down to the minors. Barrie could maybe fetch something at the 2024 TDL. He's only a cap hit at his point. Almost negative value at that salary for the minutes he plays on 3rd pair in Oiler country,
Matheson return though will complicated things. Guhle, Harris have to stay in the lineup. Most likely, Wifi stays on the team but will be in and out of the lineup.

Oh wow, never thought about that!

The Chiarot situation was a rental, though. Savard has another two years on his contract and, given his template of player doesn't tend to age well, that's more likely to detract from his value than add to it. I don't make this deal as EDM as is.

The Habs are in no rush. Savard value isnt going down anytime soon and he's worked well as a mentor for Guhle. The problem is that they also need to make room for Barron and Mailloux on the right side next offseason camp. The development of Guhle, Harris as top 4 LHD so soon means they'll move out some bodies, this year. If its not Savard, it will be Edmundson whom has a year left and plays both the left and right sides on a Cup winner in St Louis. I think Edmundson is more likely to be traded as you said the term is less and the left side is even more crowded with this youth movement on the back end.

I'm pretty sure there are a half dozen GMs around the league that think the same of David Savard. The return price will be HUGE if Hughes decides to deal

Savard + Montreal's unprotected 1st for Barrie might be a consideration for Edmonton, but nothing less. Savard is a turnstile, he's not an NHL lever defender anymore. Pure cap dump.