Martin St-Louis and Stéphane Robidas shaped the young Canadians’ defence, but David Savard also played a key role in guiding Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, Jordan Harris, Johnathan Kovacevic and Justin Barron.
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Savard received a large reward for his positive influence by having his name engraved on the Jacques Beauchamp Trophy, a title that crowns the player who has had the greatest impact within the team without receiving any particular honor.
“It’s really an honor,” said the 32-year-old defenseman an hour into the season finale against the Boston Bruins. It shows that I try to give everything for the team. I find that flattering. »
Injured in the knee and absent from the last seven games of the season, Savard hasn’t just served as a tutor to his young teammates. He finished the team with 176 blocked shots in just 62 games. The man with the big beard also showed a respectable record of 20 points in attack (3 goals, 17 assists).
Loved by young people
CH opened this season with two key defenders in the infirmary, with Mike Matheson and Joel Edmundson absent. Savard stood guard.
“I loved playing this veteran role. It was a role I had never really experienced. I’ve had young defenders at my side before, but not that many. The young people wanted to learn and were motivated. The coaches did a great job too. I wanted young people to feel comfortable and talk to me if they had questions. They weren’t afraid to talk to me. »
Kovacevic and Samuel Montembeault were also considered for this award.