Former Blue Jackets Defensemen Set To Retire After Playoff Run

Apr 18, 2025

Former Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard is set to retire following his playoff run with the Montreal Canadiens.

Savard, 34, has spent 14 seasons in the NHL and said he made the decision around Christmastime when he realized it was time to hang up the skates.

“Around Christmastime I kind of knew what my body felt like,” Savard told the media. “My body's just kind of failing a little bit. By that time, just thinking about going through another summer, another season, you just don't see yourself doing it. So I was just going to enjoy it and play as hard as I can.”

It’s been a great career for Savard. Unfortunately, this is often the main reason why players walk away from the game. He’s always played a physical style and consistently put his body on the line night in and night out.

The Columbus Blue Jackets held their end-of-season exit interviews on Friday with GM Don Waddell, HC Dean Evason, and select players.

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Savard has tallied 54 goals and 188 assists for 242 points in 879 regular-season games, along with one goal and 15 assists for 16 points in 57 playoff appearances.

Before officially calling it a career, he'll look to help his hometown Canadiens make a playoff run. Montreal takes on the Washington Capitals in the first round, starting Monday in Washington.

Cole Sillinger(11), Dante Fabbro(9), Dmitri Voronkov(23), Sean Kuraly(6), Zach Werenski(23), and Adam Fantilli(31) powered the offense for Columbus, while Jet Greaves made 36 saves on 37 shots to pick up his 5th win in a row, and the teams 6th straight.

thehockeynews.comBlue Jackets Roll Islanders In Season Finale For 6th Straight WinCole Sillinger(11), Dante Fabbro(9), Dmitri Voronkov(23), Sean Kuraly(6), Zach Werenski(23), and Adam Fantilli(31) powered the offense for Columbus, while Jet Greaves made 36 saves on 37 shots to pick up his 5th win in a row, and the teams 6th straight. 

When Adam Fantilli scored his 30th goal of the season the other night, it was a feat of its own. It was his first time hitting the 30-goal mark and only the ninth time a player has done so in Columbus Blue Jackets history — the 17th occurrence overall.

thehockeynews.comFantilli & Marchenko Achieve Rare Feat Not Seen Since 2015-16When Adam Fantilli scored his 30th goal of the season the other night, it was a feat of its own. It was his first time hitting the 30-goal mark and only the ninth time a player has done so in Columbus Blue Jackets history — the 17th occurrence overall.

With the Columbus Blue Jackets now officially eliminated from playoff contention, they have one last game to play to round out the season.

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