“Wishing you all the best in retirement”: NHL congratulates David Savard on news of retirement after 14-year career

After an illustrious 14-year career in the NHL, veteran defenseman David Savard brought an official close to his playing days following the Montreal Canadiens' loss to the Washington Capitals in their first-round 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Capitals took Game 5 by a 4–1 margin, ending Savard's playing career. The NHL didn't delay paying homage to his efforts on the game with an honest tribute, the end of a career full of accomplishments and integrity.
David Savard's tearful retirement marks the end of a remarkable career

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJGAlynJsbT/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJGAlynJsbT/

David Savard's retirement was not unexpected. At age 34, the veteran defenseman had already signaled halfway through the season that the 2025 playoffs would be his last. Following the Montreal Canadiens' playoff loss on Wednesday, the NHL honored David Savard's career with a social media message, a picture of the player with a short but heartfelt message: “Thank you. Wishing you all the best in retirement.”
Savard had already signaled in December that his body was beginning to show the wear and tear of his lengthy career. “Around Christmastime, I kind of knew what my body felt like,” Savard admitted. “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.”
A fond farewell from teammates and fans
Following the final buzzer in Washington, players of the Montreal Canadiens circled Savard to pay their respects. They hugged him one by one as Savard was visibly moved, wiping away tears as he rode out this bittersweet moment with his teammates. The Montreal Canadiens' dedication to him was a good measure of a player who had given so much to the game.
Also read: David Savard calls it a career, retires after 870 NHL games
David Savard's retirement is the end of an era for the NHL. With 870 games in the regular season and 62 games in the playoffs, Savard's legacy is built on hard work, leadership, and championship success. As he retires from the game, the respect and admiration of his peers and teammates will remain with him. The NHL fraternity, and more so the Montreal Canadiens, will never forget the 14-year veteran as a player who left no stone unturned for his clubs, both on and off the ice.