David Savard of the Montreal Canadiens has confirmed that this will be his final NHL season, announcing his retirement plans after the team’s playoff run ends.
The 34-year-old defenseman, in the final year of his four-year, $14 million contract signed in 2021, informed his teammates and the team staff weeks ago, with Friday marking his public confirmation. Savard, who played a pivotal role in Montreal’s defensive leadership, cited his desire to spend more time with his young family and return to Quebec as key factors in his decision.
After winning the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021, Savard joined the Canadiens, where he has become a valuable mentor for younger defensemen and a key figure on the penalty kill. Throughout his career, Savard has played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Montreal Canadiens, accumulating 870 regular-season games and 57 playoff appearances. He expressed pride in playing for the Canadiens in the playoffs, especially given his childhood admiration for the team. The Canadiens will face the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, starting April 21.
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