Blues assistant Marc Savard stepping away, won't coach in 2020-21

The St. Louis Blues announced on Friday that assistant coach and former player Marc Savard is stepping away from the organization and won't coach for any team during the 2020-21 season.

In a prepared club statement, general manager Doug Armstrong said:

"Marc has decided to step away and will not coach in the National Hockey League in 2020-21. I want to thank Marc for his work with our coaches and players during his time in St. Louis and wish him nothing but the best."

The Blues added Savard, a veteran of 13 NHL seasons, as an assistant in July 2019. He's returning to his family in Ontario.

"I appreciate Marc's work and dedication this past season and wish him well in his future endeavors," St. Louis head coach Craig Berube said for the club's website.

The Blues began the playoffs as the defending Stanley Cup champions but suffered a first-round defeat to the Vancouver Canucks in six games.

It's unknown when the 2020-21 NHL season will begin due to uncertainties related to the coronavirus pandemic.