Canadiens Veteran Defenseman Will Ponder Retirement

   

In an interview with 98.5 Sports Montreal Canadiens' veteran defenseman David Savard spoke candidly about the last few weeks, but also the future.  The shot-blocking expert was happy to stay in Montreal at the deadline, he's been in town with his family for the last four years and they love it here. 

David Savard blocks yet another shot - Photo credit: Eric Bolte - Imagn Images

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He wasn't disappointed with the fact GM Kent Hughes didn't get any reinforcements at the deadline, arguing that signing Jake Evans to an extension was a reinforcement of sorts. The blueliner likes what he's seeing from the team and feels that a big improvement throughout the season has been consistency. 

While he stated that he still likes to play hockey, he refused to say if he would be looking for a new contract next off-season or if the time had come to hang up his skates. When asked about his future he explained that at his age and considering his status as a family man with kids, the talk was premature. 

Clearly, whatever he decides will be a decision long pondered and discussed with his family. At 34 years old and with kids that are now older than when they were uprooted from Columbus, they have to be part of the equation and so has his wife.  Valerie Lachance, who is also native of Quebec, has been his wife since 2018 and after following him to Columbus, to Tampa Bay and then to Montreal, it would be understandable if she would like the opportunity to stay home. 

Whatever the rugged defenseman decides to do though, he has been a great asset for the Canadiens in the last four years and played a huge part in the young blueline brigade's evolution.