When hockey fans look back on the legacy of David Savard, one thing is clear: his journey through the National Hockey League was anything but ordinary.

After 14 seasons battling on the ice, Savard’s announcement of retirement at the end of the 2024-2025 season sent shockwaves through the hockey world.

For Montreal Canadiens supporters, his four-year tenure with the team left a lasting mark, both on and off the ice. But beneath the surface of his celebrated career lies a story that few have ever heard—a story that almost kept Savard from donning the iconic Canadiens jersey in the first place.

It’s easy to assume that joining Montreal was a straightforward decision for the Quebec-born defenseman, especially after his Stanley Cup triumph with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Yet, as revealed in a candid conversation on the popular podcast ‘La Poire et le Fromage’, Savard’s path to Montreal was shaped by unexpected twists and behind-the-scenes drama.

What really happened during those crucial days in the summer of 2021? Why did Savard hesitate, and what changed his mind at the last moment? The answers may surprise you—and they reveal a side of Savard’s career that fans have never seen before.

Photo of David Savard

Photo credit: NHL

At the end of the 2024-2025 season, David Savard announced his retirement after a 14-season career in the National Hockey League.

He served the Montreal Canadiens well over the past four seasons, having joined the team as a free agent in the summer of 2021.

But did you know that David Savard almost never ended up playing for the Canadiens?

David Savard Reveals the Truth and the Real Reason Behind His Signing With the Montreal Canadiens

During a recent episode of the podcast ‘La Poire et le Fromage’, hosted by Louis Morrissette, the former Quebec-born NHL defenseman revealed that signing with the Canadiens was not originally part of his plans when he tested the free-agent market.

“Montreal wasn’t necessarily an option before Weber retired.”

– David Savard

However, the injury to Shea Weber, then the Canadiens’ captain, completely changed the situation, and the organization needed to find a replacement on the right side of their defense.

Marc Bergevin then offered David Savard a four-year, $14 million contract, just after he had won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Even though he didn’t possess Weber’s offensive touch, Savard proved to be a valuable asset to Montreal’s blue line during his time with the team.

He became a true mentor for the organization’s young defensemen, such as Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson, and his presence over the last four seasons brought much-needed stability to a rebuilding roster.