Montreal Canadiens veteran defenseman David Savard has officially announced that the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs will be his last run in the NHL. The 34-year-old shared his retirement plans with the team’s management a few weeks ago, as reported by TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie.
With a career that has spanned over a decade and included stops with three different NHL teams, Savard has built a reputation as a tough, reliable defensive defenseman who consistently gave it all on the ice.
A Solid Final Season with the Canadiens
This season, Savard played 75 games, recording 1 goal and 15 points, while averaging 16 minutes and 35 seconds of ice time per game — his lowest average since his early years in the league. However, he still showed his trademark commitment on defense, finishing with 180 blocked shots, which ranked him eighth in the entire NHL this season.
Career Overview: 14 NHL Seasons, 870 Games
Savard began his NHL journey in the 2011-12 season, after being drafted 94th overall in 2009 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. He spent 10 seasons with Columbus, before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning during their 2021 Stanley Cup run. That year, he won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning after they defeated none other than the Canadiens in the final.
After that memorable run, Savard signed with Montreal in 2021, bringing leadership and experience to a young Canadiens roster. In total, Savard has played 870 regular-season games in his career and is currently 13th in blocked shots since his debut with 1,624 career blocks.
Final Stanley Cup Push
This year’s playoff run will mark Savard’s seventh and final post-season appearance. For Montreal, it’s their first time back in the playoffs since reaching the Stanley Cup Final four years ago. The team is hoping to make a deep run, and Savard will look to end his career on a high note, potentially helping the Canadiens surprise in the playoffs.
What’s Next for Montreal’s Blue Line?
With Savard’s retirement, a spot on Montreal’s defense will open up next season. This could be a big opportunity for David Reinbacher, the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Reinbacher missed most of this season due to a serious knee injury that required surgery. But with Savard stepping away, the young defenseman could finally step into a regular NHL role in 2025-26.
David Savard’s career may not have always grabbed headlines, but his dedication, toughness, and shot-blocking ability made him a vital piece of every team he played for. From winning a Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay to mentoring young Canadiens players, Savard leaves the NHL with a legacy of consistency and heart. As Montreal moves into a new era, it’s players like Savard who’ve helped lay the foundation for the future.
