Apr 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman David Savard (58) plays the puck near the boards against the Chicago Blackhawks in the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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David Savard to Retire After This NHL Season

Veteran defenseman David Savard announces plans to hang up his skates at the end of the current NHL season

After 14 seasons in the NHL, veteran defenseman David Savard has announced that this will be his final year in professional hockey. The 34-year-old confirmed that he will retire as soon as the Montreal Canadiens wrap up their postseason, officially closing the chapter on a career that spanned nearly 900 games.

Savard’s journey began back in 2009, when the Columbus Blue Jackets selected him in the fourth round of the NHL Draft. Despite his strong numbers in junior hockey and his solid frame as a right-handed defender, he was overlooked by many teams. But it didn’t take long for him to prove he was more than just a mid-round pick.

In the seasons that followed, Savard quickly worked his way up the ranks. His standout performances in the QMJHL earned him recognition as the league’s top defensive defenseman, and soon after, he signed his entry-level contract with Columbus. Though he spent the early part of his pro career in the AHL, his steady development earned him a full-time NHL spot by the 2013-14 season.

Les joueurs et l'organisation du CH savaient depuis un petit bout que David Savard prendrait sa retraite ❤ pic.twitter.com/5XTmpEx8U3
— RDS (@RDSca) April 18, 2025

Savard became known for his dependable, physical style of play and was a mainstay on Columbus’ blue line for nearly a decade. His best season came in 2014-15 when he posted 36 points and led the team in hits. That performance earned him a five-year extension, and he remained one of the team’s most trusted defenders through their highs and lows.

After nearly 600 games with the Blue Jackets, Savard was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. Though his role was limited, he contributed during the team’s Stanley Cup-winning run, giving him a championship to add to his résumé.

Following that short stint, Savard signed with the Montreal Canadiens, stepping in to help a young team in transition. Though his minutes have declined in recent seasons, he’s been a valuable veteran presence in the locker room and a guiding voice for Montreal’s emerging defensemen.

Now, with injuries and time catching up, Savard has decided it’s time to move on. With 870 games, 242 points, and countless blocked shots and hits, he leaves behind a career defined by heart, leadership, and quiet consistency. As the Canadiens continue their playoff journey, so too does Savard’s final lap around the league, one filled with pride, respect, and the admiration of teammates and fans alike.

Image Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!