Stanley Cup Champion Defenseman Announces He Will Retire After This Year's Playoffs

The NHL has seen some major retirements in recent times, with the likes of Pat Maroon and Alec Martinez hanging up the skates, and now we are seeing another one.

According to reports, veteran blue liner David Savard will officially be retiring after the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the 34-year old revealing to reporters that this season will be his last in the NHL.

That gives added motivation to the Montreal Canadiens, who have already had a very fun campaign in 2024/25, and with a matchup against the Washington Capitals in round one, their work is certainly cut out for them.

At 34-years of age, Savard was drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets way back in 2009, and after making his debut 2011, he has played in a total of 870 regular season games in that time, with an added 57 games played in the post-season.

During that time, he has tallied 54 goals and 242 points, and given his role as a defensive minded defenseman, he has continued to play his role perfectly throughout his career.

Playing for Montreal since the 2021/22 campaign, Savard has been a fantastic veteran presence in the lineup, and the team will now try and send him out with a deep Stanley Cup run.

Whether or not that happens, Savard has been an excellent ambassador for hockey over his career and has played his role well, and while he never quite became a star, not everyone will, and he'll forever have the respect of the league following his career.