MONTREAL, CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: Logan Mailloux #94 of the Montreal Canadiens skates during the second period of a pre-season game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre on September 29, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Canadiens’ Top 3 Internal Candidates to Replace David Savard Next Season….read more…..
April 20, 2025 – Montreal Canadiens News — With veteran defenseman David Savard’s contract set to expire, the Montreal Canadiens are already looking ahead to next season and considering which internal candidates could step up to fill the gap on the blue line.
Savard, known for his steady presence and leadership, has been a key figure on Montreal’s defense since joining the team. However, as the Canadiens continue to build for the future, the focus now shifts to finding a suitable replacement who can contribute defensively and possibly take on a larger role.
Here are the top three in-house candidates to take over Savard’s spot next season:
1. Kaiden Guhle
A promising young defenseman, Kaiden Guhle is one of the most highly anticipated players in the Canadiens’ system. With his combination of size, mobility, and strong defensive instincts, Guhle is seen as a future cornerstone on Montreal’s blue line. After an impressive rookie season, Guhle could be ready to take on a more significant role next year, potentially filling the void left by Savard.
2. Justin Barron
Acquired from Colorado in 2023, Justin Barron has quickly shown his potential as a reliable defenseman with a strong two-way game. Known for his physicality and vision, Barron has steadily improved since joining the Canadiens. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively makes him another prime candidate to step into a top-four role and potentially replace Savard next season.
3. Jordan Harris
Another promising young defenseman, Jordan Harris has impressed with his skating and puck-moving abilities. Harris has shown great poise in the NHL, and his strong performances in a limited role make him a contender to step up next season. His agility and vision on the ice could complement Montreal’s defensive group as they look to build a more dynamic back end.
A Transition to the Future
As the Canadiens look to move on from Savard’s time in Montreal, these three defensemen represent the future of the team’s defensive core. Each player brings a unique skill set to the table, and the competition to fill Savard’s shoes will be a storyline to watch during the upcoming offseason.
With the Canadiens focused on youth and development, it’s clear that the team is building for long-term success, and one of these three players could be the next leader of Montreal’s defense.
