There aren't a lot of guys that deserve this more than David Savard.
He's been under the radar for his entire career, but now, he's living in the spotlight after Tampa Bay won the Stanley Cup in five games over Montreal. The 30-year-old defenseman broke into the league with the Blue Jackets during the 2011-12 season, and they were the only team he played for until he was traded mid-season to Tampa Bay for a first-round pick.
The Blue Jackets were happy with the return, but it was still difficult to see Savard go. With Columbus on the outside looking in when the playoffs began, they still had the opportunity to see a former Blue Jacket hoist the cup. It was confirmed that a former Blue Jacket would win when the matchup was set for the Stanley Cup final: either Josh Anderson or Savard would lift their first Stanley Cup.
This is Savard's first #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/de8XZAuErm
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) July 8, 2021
In the end, the much better team prevailed as the Lightning won in five games to win their second Stanley Cup in a row. Savard provided the assist on Ross Colton's game-winning goal in Game 5 with a beautiful dish across the ice.
Savard is the kind of player that doesn't garner media attention. That's partially due to his playstyle, and partially due to the general lack of postseason success that the Blue Jackets had when he was in Columbus. However, his game still provides great value, as the Lightning experienced firsthand during their Stanley Cup run.
After the Lightning's triumph, Savard said that a lot of Blue Jackets reached out to him and congratulated him, which meant a lot. “I spent a lot of years (in Columbus),” said Savard. “You battle with those guys. I think they were proud of me and happy for me to finally get to touch (the Stanley Cup) and go on a lap. It was definitely special to me to see how much those guys were happy for me.”
Anderson congratulates Savard #CBJ #GoHabsGo #Lightning pic.twitter.com/oGjiIZ8n4F
— Alison (@AlisonL) July 8, 2021
“It’s hard to go back-to-back,” said Savard. “I got really lucky to be here and to get to enjoy the second ride with them."
