:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58412957/137480116.jpg.0.jpg)
As expected, with his NHL contract ending, former Bruins fan favorite Marc Savard has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey on his Twitter account.
— marc savard (@MSavvy91) January 22, 2018
Originally drafted by the NY Rangers (91st overall) in 1995, he went in to play for Calgary, Atlanta and Boston before his contract was traded to Florida, then New Jersey.
The profilic center played 304 games for Boston scoring 305 points (74g, 231a) and was easily one of the most popular Bruins players during his tenure. Unfortunately two concussions from Matt Cooke and Matt Hunwick ended his playing career in 2011. His name was included on the Bruins 2011 Stanley Cup after the Bruins petitioned for the league to waive the minimum games played requirement
Savard notably suffered numerous concussions during his playing career, and was open about his struggles with post concussion syndrome, including a particularly emotional article in the Players Tribune, titled simply: To Hell and Back.
His health issues, and the plays that caused them have for better or worse brought about change in the NHL including a change to the NHL blind side hit rule as well as a general increase in awareness surrounding the dangers of concussion and traumatic brain injuries.
He has mentioned wanting to get into coaching in some capacity, could the Bruins bring him into the fold in some capacity?
With his contract expiring at the end of 2016-17, Marc Savard’s playing days have officially come to an end after playing 13 seasons and 807 games in the NHL. The Ottawa native is now looking to get back into the game in a coaching capacity ➡️https://t.co/wm75g7zfAQ pic.twitter.com/qjZn7M2ebo
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) January 22, 2018
Best of luck to Marc in retirement, thanks for everything.