David Savard 2016-17 Stats
Games Played: 74
Goals: 6
Assists: 17
Points: 23
Time on ice: 21:50
Penalty minutes: 44
Corsi For (even strength): 50.6% (career high)
David Savard rarely stood out this season, which is possibly the highest compliment you can pay a defenseman. Savard was rarely out of position this year, providing a steadying influence as part of a solid number 2 defensive pairing along with playing partner Jack Johnson. Savard was a consistent player night in and night out this season. He played himself into a trustworthy role, and John Tortorella was not afraid to deploy Savard in any phase of the game.
David Savard will be a Blue Jacket for the foreseeable future as well. His play this season assured beyond nearly any doubt that Savard will be protected in this summer’s Expansion Draft. Savard is on a reasonable contract, is just 26 years old, and is signed through the 2020-21 season. His shutdown ability and his right handed shot make him extremely valuable to the Blue Jackets, as does his ability to step up and play first pairing minutes if necessary.
Savard does not stand out as a flashy player, but he does all of the little things right. Guys like Savard help teams win in the postseason, and Savard is a valuable cog on the Blue Jackets’ blue line.