The Montreal Canadiens are facing a pivotal moment as they prepare for the next NHL season, with a significant question looming over their defensive lineup. Following their first-round playoff elimination at the hands of the Washington Capitals, and the subsequent retirement announcement from veteran defenseman David Savard, the team must now address a critical gap on the right side of their blue line. Savard, a Quebec native who ended his career proudly wearing the Canadiens’ uniform, leaves behind not only a legacy of leadership and reliability but also a vacancy that needs to be filled as soon as possible.

As speculation swirls about who will step into what head coach Martin St-Louis has famously called “that chair,” fans and analysts alike are weighing the options. The spotlight has quickly turned to two promising young defensemen: Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher. Both players represent the future of the Canadiens’ defense, but only one will likely earn the coveted spot in the opening lineup. Recent commentary from respected TSN analyst Pierre McGuire has further fueled the debate, offering insight into why one candidate may have a slight edge. The decision is poised to shape the team’s defensive identity for seasons to come.

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The elimination of the Montreal Canadiens by the Washington Capitals in the first round of the playoffs marked the end for David Savard.

The Quebec-born defenseman announced his retirement before the season ended, and he’ll be able to proudly say he finished his career wearing the Canadiens uniform.

However, his departure leaves a hole on the right side of the Canadiens’ defense, and right now, all signs point to that spot, what Martin St-Louis likes to call “that chair”, being filled by either Logan Mailloux or David Reinbacher.

On that note, a well-known expert among Canadiens fans has revealed who he believes will replace David Savard as the right-handed defenseman.

David Savard’s replacement on the Montreal Canadiens will be Logan Mailloux (according to Pierre McGuire)

During his appearance on the podcast The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro, Pierre McGuire, who works with the TSN network, was asked by the host who he thinks will start the season with the Canadiens between Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher.

Here’s his response:

“The need for a big shot is very evident on Montreal’s power play, and I think that gives Mailloux an edge.”

– Pierre McGuire

According to him, the team’s 2021 first-round pick has a slight edge over the young Austrian blueliner, which might come as a bit of a surprise.

The Canadiens already have two offensive defensemen in Lane Hutson and Michael Matheson, so it would’ve been logical to think Reinbacher would be preferred over Mailloux.

However, Mailloux’s offensive upside gives him a certain advantage, and as McGuire pointed out, the fact that he has a powerful shot could work in his favor.

Since Shea Weber, it’s fair to say the Canadiens haven’t had a defenseman with a real cannon from the point.

And what about you, who do you think will replace David Savard on the Montreal Canadiens?