David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Canadiens' Star Announces Major Career-Changing News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 4:31 AM ET

The Montreal Canadiens are heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a veteran presence on the blue line and an unexpected storyline to follow following Friday's news.

Blueliner David Savard confirmed before the weekend that this will be his final NHL season, announcing his intention to retire once the Canadiens’ postseason run concludes.

Savard, 34, is in the final season of a four-year, $14 million contract signed in 2021. He informed teammates and staff of his decision weeks ago, according to Renaud Lavoie, though Friday marked the first public confirmation.

Savard said his motivation for making that career-ending decision includes spending more time with his young family and returning home to Quebec.

David Savard just confirmed to reporters that he will retired at the end of the @CanadiensMTL playoff run. I can also add that he told the Habs front office about his intentions a few weeks ago.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) April 18, 2025

“It’s my last season, so I’m very happy we were able to make the playoffs and experience this in Montreal and finish at home,” Savard said. “It’s special to me.”

The veteran defenseman joined Montreal after winning the Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay in 2021, a run that ended with a victory over the Habs in the Final.

Savard has since served as a key leader during the team’s rebuild, mentoring young defensemen and anchoring the penalty-kill unit while appearing in 62, 62, 60, and 75 regular-season games in Montreal.

“He’s actually an extension of the coaching,” head coach Martin St. Louis said. “He does a lot of coaching… He’s got a calming presence. We felt very comfortable pairing him with young guys.”

Savard began his NHL career with the Columbus Blue Jackets after they drafted him with the No. 94 overall pick in 2009. Across 14 seasons with the Blue Jackets, Lightning, and Canadiens, he has played 870 regular-season games and another 57 in the playoffs, notching 166 and 11 points, respectively.

“There’s a lot of pride in getting to wear this jersey in the playoffs,” Savard said about finally having the chance to play postseason hockey with the Canadiens. “I was a fan growing up. To be able to wear the jersey in a playoff run, it’s going to be special.”

The NHL announced on Thursday the Canadiens’ first-round schedule against the Washington Capitals in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the series set to begin on Monday, April 21, at Capital One Arena in Washington.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: