Observations:

April 2014 – After being called up and sent down countless times the previous season, Savard has made his home with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He signed a one-year deal as an RFA for about $709,000 last summer. He currently plays on the third defensive paring with Nikita Nikitin. Savard has established a more stay-at-home game, although he does possess a booming slap shot. He uses his size very well (132 hits) and sees the 4^th most time on ice (TOI) per game on the team. When needed, Savard can also play on the PK – averaging about 1:25 per game. He has the fewest giveaways of any full-time Jacket, which shows his responsibility with the puck.  Chris Bagwell

March 2013 – Savard’s hockey sense and puck-moving skills keep him on the Jackets’ radar, but they point to his skating as a reason for the stall in his progression…Is in tough to pass some of the highly-touted kids who are ahead of him. – Dobber

March 2012 – Savard played his juniors in the QMJHL and just last season made the jump to the pro level. Put up very respectable numbers as a rookie in the AHL from the back end. He plays an all-around game as he can shut down the opponent as well as being that blue liner who can move the puck and chip in on the offensive side. – Russ Bitely

Fantasy Outlook: B-

This is an important season for Savard. He’s on a one-year contract and now is the time to prove his worth. Although he’s been on a slump (no points in the last 14 games), he does eat up valuable minutes for Columbus. Savard will encounter some competition in the recent future with up-and-comers like Tim Erixon, Cody Goloubef, and Mike Reilly. For now, Savard has solidified his spot on the 3^rd defensive pairing. He’s not a superstar, but rather a responsible, tough player.  Plus, right-handed defenseman are always coveted.

Footage:

Interview:

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David Savard scores his first career NHL goal for Blue Jackets on delayed penalty on 2/7/2012.

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