Marc Savard: A Hockey Legend and Assistant Coach
Marc Savard is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre and current assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is known for his impressive career on the ice, playing for several NHL teams, including the New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers, and Boston Bruins.
Early Career and Draft
Savard played major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Oshawa Generals, beginning in 1993-1994. After his second season with the Generals, in which he scored a league-leading 139 points, he was selected 91st overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Rangers.
Rise to Fame and NHL Career
Savard continued to play in the OHL for two more seasons, earning his second Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the OHL's leading scorer with 130 points in 1996-1997. He then added 27 points in 15 playoff games, guiding the Generals to the 1997 J. Ross Robertson Cup and an appearance in the 1997 Memorial Cup. In 1997-1998, Savard was assigned by the Rangers to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack. He scored 74 points with Hartford while being called up to play in 28 games for the Rangers in his rookie professional campaign. The following season, he earned an expanded role with the Rangers and scored 45 points in 70 games.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Savard's NHL career spanned over 10 years, playing for the Rangers, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers, and Boston Bruins. During his time with the Bruins, he became a key player, helping the team reach the playoffs in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Savard's career was cut short due to post-concussion syndrome, and he formally announced his retirement in 2016-2017.
Coaching Career and Legacy
After retiring as a player, Savard transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues during the 2019-2020 season. He is currently the assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Throughout his career, Savard has demonstrated his passion for the game, dedication to his teams, and commitment to developing young players.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Savard is known for his charitable work, particularly in the area of concussion awareness and education. He has worked closely with organizations such as the Concussion Legacy Foundation to raise awareness about the importance of concussion safety in sports.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- Savard was a two-time Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy winner as the OHL's leading scorer.
- He scored 74 points in his rookie season with the Hartford Wolfpack.
- Savard played in 796 NHL games, scoring 207 goals and 499 assists.
Impact on the Game
Marc Savard's contributions to the game of hockey extend beyond his impressive playing career. As a coach, he continues to inspire and develop young players, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of hockey.
FAQ
What is Marc Savards hockey style?
Marc Savard is a skilled playmaker and goal-scorer. He is known for his vision, passing ability, and shot accuracy. He is also an excellent power-play specialist.
What teams has Marc Savard played for?
Marc Savard has played for several teams, including the New York Rangers, the Calgary Flames, the Atlanta Thrashers, and the Boston Bruins. He won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.
What awards has Marc Savard won?
Marc Savard has won several awards, including the NHL scoring title in 2006. He has also been named to the NHL All-Star Game and has won the NHL Player of the Week award.
What is Marc Savards most notable achievement?
Marc Savards most notable achievement is winning the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. He played a key role in the teams championship run, scoring several crucial goals and assists.
What is Marc Savards post-hockey career?
After retiring from professional hockey, Marc Savard went on to become a hockey analyst and commentator. He has worked for several TV networks, providing analysis and commentary of NHL games.
