The Toronto Maple Leafs are eyeing a significant move as they push toward a Stanley Cup, with one trade proposal suggesting the addition of a star defenseman and third-line center.
Using the PuckGM tool on PuckPedia, one user put forward a trade that would see the Leafs acquire David Savard and Jake Evans from the Montreal Canadiens.
Proposed Trade:
- Maple Leafs Receive:
- David Savard
- Jake Evans
- Canadiens Receive:
- Nick Robertson
- 2027 first-round pick
- 2027 fourth-round pick
This deal could help Toronto strengthen its roster as they enter their Cup window, while providing Montreal with valuable draft picks and a young forward to aid in their rebuild.
Savard, a veteran with Stanley Cup experience from his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021, would bring leadership and grit to the Leafs. Currently in the final year of his four-year, $14 million contract, Savard has played 24 games this season, recording no goals but five assists.
Evans would slot in as Toronto’s third-line center, also in the final year of his three-year, $5.1 million contract. This season, he has four goals and eight assists in 25 games.
For the Canadiens, the focus would be on the draft picks, especially the first-rounder. Robertson, who has played 22 games this season with 2 goals, would add offensive depth to Montreal’s young roster.
Montreal’s Trade Intentions: The Canadiens are unlikely to make the playoffs this season, sitting in last place in the Atlantic Division with a 9-13-3 record. TSN NHL insider Darren Dreger reports that Montreal’s general manager, Kent Hughes, is fielding offers for several pending UFAs, including Evans, Savard, Christian Dvorak, and Joel Armia, as the team looks toward the future. Hughes is expected to weigh long-term fit and potential market offers for these players, with Savard being a key trade asset due to his defensive abilities.
However, Dreger adds that Montreal may be keen on extending Evans, who has become an energy player and shown promise in the bottom six.
Robertson’s Trade Potential: Nick Robertson, who requested a trade from Toronto earlier this year, has struggled to produce and is now again the subject of trade rumors. NHL analyst Adam Proteau suggested that Robertson could be a great fit for the Colorado Avalanche, as he is a cheaper asset at just $875,000 this season. With more opportunity elsewhere, Robertson, a 2019 second-round pick by Toronto, could thrive in a new environment.
In summary, the proposed trade could benefit both teams, with the Leafs aiming for a Stanley Cup push and the Canadiens building for the future.
