David Savard Scouting Reports

Savard is a 33 year-old veteran defenceman who has one year left on his current contract that pays $3.5M through 24/25.
Through 34GP he produced 4G-9A.
Savard plays heavy match up minutes in Montreal. He averages 20 minutes per game at even strength and the PK … which speaks to his (-11) rating defensively … no easy shifts.
Savard produces some depth offense, but he's mostly counted on to defend with some push back.
He isn't a burner. In fact he's an average skater who relies on his hockey sense and read/react game to get in shooting lanes and block shots.
He's been credited with 43 hits and 98 shot blocks.

Continues to play heavy match up role for the Canadiens
Averages around 21:00 TOI per game with over 3:00 committed to the penalty kill
Proficient shot blocker - In 28GP this season he has been credited with 28 hits and 87 shot blocks
At times he chips in with some secondary offense - 4G - 7A
Shut down 'D' - average pace - recognizes his limitations - gives all he has consistently - has struggled at times with injuries that have held him out of the lineup for long stretches -
Signed through 24/25. Contract pays $3.5M AAV - Does not have trade protection in his deal

Averages around 21:00 per game TOI. Deployed at ES and PK.
Veteran, right-shot 'D' who provides heavy lifting versus top skill forwards / opponents.
Adequate skater - not fast - not slow - but big body who is difficult to maneuver around. Proficient shot blocker. Averages over 3 shot blocks per game - or 9 per 60:00 TOI.
Any offense that he brings should be considered a bonus. Has struggled, at times, with injury.
Signed through 24/25. AAV $3.5M

Veteran / right shot / defenceman who does a lot of the heavy lifting for Montreal
In (22/23) he averaged 22:23 TOI. Almost all of his ice time comes at ES and PK. He matches up all night versus top six opponents and rolls over the boards as part of the primary penalty killing unit.
Skating is average for the NHL game but he makes up for it by understanding his limitations and keeping the game simple. On the PK he rarely rotates to far out of position - electing to keep the play to the perimeter and defend between the hash marks. Credited with only 61 hits last season - but his 176 shot blocks led the team.
A mostly 'Defensive D' who does occasionally chip in with the offense.

Big body. Veteran right shot 'D'
In the past he has shown he can produce offensively but lately that element has been trending down.
Brings a presence. Manages the game. Recognizes his limitations and plays with himself.
A #4 on a mid-range team. A #5 on a good team.
Averages over 20:00 per game.
Moves fine. Can make simple plays with the puck.