David Savard

David Savard (born October 22, 1990) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He played parts of 14 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Montreal Canadiens.

Savard is a one-time Stanley Cup champion, winning with the Lightning in 2021.

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Savard played one season with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and three seasons with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He had a successful time with the Wildcats. In the 2009-10 season, Savard was awarded the Emile Bouchard Trophy for defencemen of the year, Kevin Lowe Trophy for best defensive defenceman, was named to the First All-Star Team, and won the President's Trophy with the Wildcats.

He was drafted 94th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2009 NHL entry draft. On June 3, 2010, Savard signed a three-year, $2,750,000 contract to join the Blue Jackets. was immediately sent down to play for their AHL-affiliate Springfield Falcons. On October 7, 2011, the Blue Jackets called him up to play for the team and he made his NHL debut in a 3–2 loss against the Nashville Predators. On October 15, he recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Václav Prospal goal in a 4–2 loss against the Dallas Stars. On February 7, 2012, Savard scored his first NHL goal against Niklas Bäckström in a 3–1 win against the Minnesota Wild. On July 15, 2013, Savard signed a one-year, two-way contract to stay with the Blue Jackets. On July 5, 2014, he signed a two-year contract to stay with the Blue Jackets. On September 8, 2015, Savard signed a five-year, $21.25 million contract to stay with the Blue Jackets.

On April 10, 2021, the Blue Jackets traded Savard to the Tampa Bay Lightning. It was a three-way trade also involving Detroit Red Wings. The Blue Jackets received a 2021 first-round pick and the Red Wings received a 2022 third-round pick. He helped the Lightning during the playoffs, defeating the Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and New York Islanders. In the Finals, they defeated by the Montreal Canadiens four games to one to win the Stanley Cup.

On July 28, 2021, Savard signed a 1-year, $1 million contract to join the Montreal Canadiens. He helped the Canadiens reach the playoffs, where they were defeated in the first round by the Washington Capitals four games to one.

On April 30, 2025, Savard announced that he was retiring from playing professional ice hockey.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1990 births
Category:Living people
Category:Baie-Comeau Drakkar players
Category:Canadian ice hockey defencemen
Category:Columbus Blue Jackets players
Category:Ice hockey people from Quebec
Category:Moncton Wildcats players
Category:Montreal Canadiens players
Category:Springfield Falcons players
Category:Stanley Cup champions
Category:Tampa Bay Lightning players