Is Marc Savard Soon to Be Dealt by the Bruins?

Earlier today on XM 204, speculation broke out that Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli is looking to deal under-appreciated center Marc Savard.

Word has it that Chiarelli is hell-bent on signing center/winger Phil Kessel to an extension and retaining his services. If that is true, the Bruins will have to make room for Kessel’s contract in the Bruins’ already salary-bloated roster.

Savard, who many have called the “Rodney Dangerfield” of the NHL for the lack of respect his game gets, had his third best season in 2008-09, netting 25 goals and 63 assists to lead the Bruins in points with 88.

Savard, who has one year left on his deal at $5 million and a no-trade clause, might be willing to move if he was able to get an extension on his contract from his suitors.

Earlier rumors suggested that the Bruins were shopping Kessel around the league. It was well documented the Bruins were close to sending Kessel to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Tomas Kaberle, a deal that fell through.

Savard is an extremely talented player, certainly one of the NHL’s best setup men. At 32 years old, he has plenty left in the tank and could be a huge acquisition for a team that is considered a contender for the Stanley Cup.

Possible suitors may include the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, and the San Jose Sharks.

If the Bruins are serious about trading Savard, one has to believe that Patrice Bergeron has been given a clean bill of health. Otherwise, it would seem unlikely the Bruins would trade their No. 1 center.

One thing is for sure: Whichever team lands Savard is going to get a heck of a player.

Until next time,

Peace!