Canadiens' Veteran David Savard Reveals Heartfelt Goodbye After NHL Retirement

Ironically, he signed with the Canadiens in the summer of 2021 just weeks after he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat them in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final; he assisted on Ross Colton's GWG in the 2nd period of Game 5 on July 7, 2021.

Savard's emotional struggle highlights the tough reality players face transitioning away from a lifelong hockey career

It's going to be a difficult adjustment for him to life without professional hockey, which is all he's known for the last several years.

I miss it already. I know I'll miss it next season. I'll miss going to the arena and practicing with the guys every day, but you have to realize when your time is up.

Savard, who was taken with the 94th overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, had 242 points (54G, 188A) in 870 NHL games.

He explained during a recent golf outing that he's already missing the game and will miss coming to the arena with his teammates.

With Savard stepping away, the Canadiens must adapt quickly to life without a seasoned defenseman

The Canadiens, who were already aware of Savard's intention to retire, acted swiftly this summer to help replace him.

They acquired Noah Dobson, another right-handed defenseman, in a major trade with the New York Islanders and signed him to an 8 year contract extension, a move that Savard believes will help Montreal moving forward.

He's a very talented guy. I had the chance to play against him, and he's a defender who excels offensively, but is also very good in his zone. He will come and stabilize the defense, and he already has a lot of experience despite his young age.

Dobson and the Canadiens will try and build off their successful year that saw them return to the postseason for the 1st time since the aforementioned trip to the 2021 SCF.