David Savard

[Johnny Danger]

how do you like David Savard's development? what's his ceiling/potential?

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[Doug19]

I thought he had a solid almost Rusty Klesla like playoff performance. He wasn't that special in the regular season, but I thought he rose to the occasion in the postseason. I still don't see him as much more than a 4-5 defender long term that can play up in the lineup for short periods. Still don't buy that he is a long-term jacket, his second NHL season will be interesting.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

I think he was someone people around here beat up on for no reason. I think peopl hold his performance against LA a few years ago agaisnt him still. He's not flashy, he's not going to put up huge numbers or make a fanstastic play, he's just good. His skating is loads better than what it used to, and it seems JD and JK have kicked his ass enough that he finally gets it on how to be a pro. He had a few moments where he struggled throughout the year, but I remember far more good plays he made, and like Doug19 said he had a Rusty Klesla like playoff performance, which was no doubt the 2nd best playoff on our defense and maybe even team.

I like the guy.

 

[Xoggz22]

Until this year Savard was a fringe NHL player. Something finally clicked (JD calling him out?) in his head to dedicate himself to improved fitness and commitment to the game. He's always had a good skill set but subscribed to the Steve Mason off-season workout program and attitude until last year. I think he's got 2nd pair capability and should continue to improve but his skating probably isn't dynamic enough to make him a top 3 type player in my opinion. He's gotten better but still needs work. I like him but don't think he's a player you commit long term deals to. He'll re-sign for 2-3 years this off season and the contract will be good for both sides allowing him to be moved if there was a reason to do so.

 

[major major]

Until this year Savard was a fringe NHL player. Something finally clicked (JD calling him out?) in his head to dedicate himself to improved fitness and commitment to the game. He's always had a good skill set but subscribed to the Steve Mason off-season workout program and attitude until last year. I think he's got 2nd pair capability and should continue to improve but his skating probably isn't dynamic enough to make him a top 3 type player in my opinion. He's gotten better but still needs work. I like him but don't think he's a player you commit long term deals to. He'll re-sign for 2-3 years this off season and the contract will be good for both sides allowing him to be moved if there was a reason to do so.

I agree with this for the most part. Second pair sounds about right for him.

I'd add that I like his physicality and his instincts, he can already level guys and clear the net, which is pretty impressive considering he was a fat kid not that long ago. If he gets better at tying up sticks I think he could be a solid shutdown option.

And he's never had enough powerplay time to prove it, but I think his instincts make him an excellent option there. 40 pts wouldn't even surprise me.

His lack of speed is the only thing that will keep him off the top pair.

 

[CBJx614]

I agree with this for the most part. Second pair sounds about right for him.

I'd add that I like his physicality and his instincts, he can already level guys and clear the net, which is pretty impressive considering he was a fat kid not that long ago. If he gets better at tying up sticks I think he could be a solid shutdown option.

And he's never had enough powerplay time to prove it, but I think his instincts make him an excellent option there. 40 pts wouldn't even surprise me.

His lack of speed is the only thing that will keep him off the top pair.

Eh if he really does develop into a shutdown defender you throw him back with Johnson on the top line, or pair him with Wiz giving him to run amuck while Savard plays it safe.

 

[Xoggz22]

Eh if he really does develop into a shutdown defender you throw him back with Johnson on the top line, or pair him with Wiz giving him to run amuck while Savard plays it safe.

Personally, I think Wiz and Savard would be a bad combo. Neither has enough foot speed to cover. Savard and JJ worked pretty well in the playoffs though. Lets see how the development goes

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

I agree with this for the most part. Second pair sounds about right for him.

I'd add that I like his physicality and his instincts, he can already level guys and clear the net, which is pretty impressive considering he was a fat kid not that long ago. If he gets better at tying up sticks I think he could be a solid shutdown option.

And he's never had enough powerplay time to prove it, but I think his instincts make him an excellent option there. 40 pts wouldn't even surprise me.

His lack of speed is the only thing that will keep him off the top pair.

I'm with this analysis.

I was one of those who bashed him but it wasn't needless. He showed some ability but no willingness to maximize it. As major said, something clicked for him last offseason. I thought for sure Erixon would beat him out and was even of the opinion Goloubef should be ahead if him. That ended up being wrong. He played well in the playoff series. Hope he keeps it up. I like his balanced game.

 

[Mayor Bee]

Until this year Savard was a fringe NHL player. Something finally clicked (JD calling him out?) in his head to dedicate himself to improved fitness and commitment to the game. He's always had a good skill set but subscribed to the Steve Mason off-season workout program and attitude until last year. I think he's got 2nd pair capability and should continue to improve but his skating probably isn't dynamic enough to make him a top 3 type player in my opinion. He's gotten better but still needs work. I like him but don't think he's a player you commit long term deals to. He'll re-sign for 2-3 years this off season and the contract will be good for both sides allowing him to be moved if there was a reason to do so.

I won't speculate to what changed or why, but it looked like Savard was attacking the play more instead of reading it and then reacting.

 

[major major]

I won't speculate to what changed or why, but it looked like Savard was attacking the play more instead of reading it and then reacting.

He was terribly nervous last year.

 

[thebus2288*]

I wasn't that high on Savard the last few years, but after this year I'm sold. I've always thought that the offensive potential was there, but him defensively is what stood out this year. I really think he was probably our best defensemen when it came to defense this year. Him and Murray have their ups and downs, but when they're on they're very good at both ends of the rink.

I don't wanna turn this into a Wiz thread but I really think Savard right now is simply a younger better version(at literally everything). Savard and Murray need more ice time next year on the PP and the PK. I hope its Wiz, but I see one of him, Johnson or Tyutin being traded this summer.

 

[Robert]

Average but better than I thought... a serviceable bottom line defenseman... (under the radar type player)

 

[Cash for Nash]

how do you like David Savard's development? what's his ceiling/potential?

He's good.

 

[LetsGOJackets!!]

I agree with Robert

Average but better than I thought... a serviceable bottom line defenseman... (under the radar type player)

What actually impressed me about Savard is his passing out of the zone and his slap shot from the blue line. He gets it to the net/ that is imperative that the shot be on net and the Goalie has to play it. How many times have we have guys slap it off target or out of play. Savard is an upgrade on that. I also agree that his play got better when he started becoming more aggressive.

 

[thebus2288*]

What actually impressed me about Savard is his passing out of the zone and his slap shot from the blue line. He gets it to the net/ that is imperative that the shot be on net and the Goalie has to play it. How many times have we have guys slap it off target or out of play. Savard is an upgrade on that.

This. Savard and Murray are the smartest guys on our defense with the puck on their sticks anywhere on the ice.

 

[Robert]

What actually impressed me about Savard is his passing out of the zone and his slap shot from the blue line. He gets it to the net/ that is imperative that the shot be on net and the Goalie has to play it. How many times have we have guys slap it off target or out of play. Savard is an upgrade on that. I also agree that his play got better when he started becoming more aggressive.

Thank you LGJ...

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Also Savard is another example of this board giving up too easily on a player. First time was Calvert, who people pegged as a scoring AHL player after he struggled in 2011-12, now its Johansen and Savard, who were pegged as lazy unmotivated problems just a year ago.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

Also Savard is another example of this board giving up too easily on a player. First time was Calvert, who people pegged as a scoring AHL player after he struggled in 2011-12, now its Johansen and Savard, who were pegged as lazy unmotivated problems just a year ago.

Because "this board" has a unified opinion?

 

[Nordique]

He's a solid 2nd pairing guy. I think a year ago alot of fans were writing him off, but young defensemen take time, and he proved alot of nay sayers wrong this past season. That being said he still looked out of place at times in the playoffs, still some maturation to come I imagine.

 

[blahblah]

He feels like that kind player you will always feel like you can do better than. Pretty good season, but he doesn't have me sold yet.

Feels like another Nikitin type situation.

 

[Mayor Bee]

Because "this board" has a unified opinion?

It really should, but none of you seem willing to follow me.

He feels like that kind player you will always feel like you can do better than. Pretty good season, but he doesn't have me sold yet.

Feels like another Nikitin type situation.

Let's say that, for one reason or another, Savard tops out on the third pairing. Is that really a bad thing to have?

He's a smart defenseman who's not known for making real boneheaded plays, and the times it happens are few and far between. He can jumpstart transition the other way with an outlet pass, can run a power play, and isn't bad in his own zone. Better options may exist, but for overall likely value in the future he's a good one.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

It really should, but none of you seem willing to follow me.=

Good lord.

 

[blahblah]

Let's say that, for one reason or another, Savard tops out on the third pairing. Is that really a bad thing to have?

Well I did compare him to a Nikitin type of path. So why did you have to ask?

He's a smart defenseman who's not known for making real boneheaded plays, and the times it happens are few and far between. He can jumpstart transition the other way with an outlet pass, can run a power play, and isn't bad in his own zone. Better options may exist, but for overall likely value in the future he's a good one.

Meh, you've got him pegged higher than me. He still has plenty of bonehead in him. Not surprising at his age, but I suspect he always will have it. He still has some physical limitations. If you look at him you can tell his diet is still off.

He just feels like the kind of guy you keep around until they want more than 3 million. I hope I'm wrong and he ends up being actually worth more than 4 million a year.

 

[Mayor Bee]

Well I did compare him to a Nikitin type of path. So why did you have to ask?

We weren't on the same page as far as exactly what you were getting at. My interpretation was that you were saying he's someone that you keep around and use but are regularly looking to replace as it becomes more apparent that being first-pairing caliber isn't likely to happen. This obviously would clash with what I've said previously from a team building standpoint, hence the question to clarify.

 

[blahblah]

We weren't on the same page as far as exactly what you were getting at. My interpretation was that you were saying he's someone that you keep around and use but are regularly looking to replace as it becomes more apparent that being first-pairing caliber isn't likely to happen. This obviously would clash with what I've said previously from a team building standpoint, hence the question to clarify.

I think you tried to read far more into it than what there was. Never said anything about pairings to start. I have no thoughts of him being a top pairing player.

I feel like he'll end up as a serviceable but easily replaceable kind of guy.