The Canadiens are in the midst of a rebuild, so the team is very young. It takes good veterans to surround them, and David Savard is certainly one of them.
Unfortunately for him, the young talents are emerging, and sooner or later, he will have to make way for them. Despite his utility to the Habs, Savard doesn't bury his head in the sand, and he knows he could be traded at any time.
It's a very good way to approach the subject, which is delicate. Savard doesn't worry about things he can't control, and he's doing well. All he can do is give his 110%, and that's what he does night after night.
Obviously, he will be a highly sought-after player by the trade deadline. David is a sure asset for any team in the league, and his modest salary of $3.5 million for another year adds to his market value.
This speaks volumes about the respect Hughes has for the players, a respect that is reciprocated. Even players like Jeff Petry, who no longer want to play in Montreal, receive all the class from the GM. Recall that Petry was traded to Detroit, the city of his childhood.