Columbus Blue Jackets Greatest Players: #14 – David Savard

CALGARY, AB - DECEMBER 16: David Savard #58 of the Columbus Blue Jackets plays against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game on December 16, 2016 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)"
CALGARY, AB - DECEMBER 16: David Savard #58 of the Columbus Blue Jackets plays against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game on December 16, 2016 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Gerry Thomas/NHLI via Getty Images)"

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be entering their 17th season as a NHL franchise this year, so we thought it’s about time we celebrate the 17 greatest Blue Jackets. This list won’t be filled with the best players per say, but rather the most impactful, durable, and lovable Jackets in our minds.

If you missed any of the previous players, go back and check them out!

#17: Jared Boll (RW)

#16: Matt Calvert (LW)

#15: Brandon Dubinsky (C)

So without further ado, here is the 14th greatest Columbus Blue Jackets player in history…

#14 – David Savard (D)

One of my personal favorites is next up on the list. David Savard aka the very nice bearded Canadian man that you would meet in Menard’s is our 14th greatest Columbus Blue Jackets player.

Savard isn’t much of a scorer so he might not show up in the stats very much, but I’ll tell you what, that boy can play some hockey. In fact, he was the CBJ’s leader in defensive point shares last season with 5.8. That was also good enough to finish within the top 10 across the league.

Alongside Jack Johnson, Savard was a terror for opposing teams last season. Whenever he was on the ice in 2016-2017, teams had a real hard time putting the puck in the net, evident by his +33 plus-minus (3rd in the NHL).

If Savard had played on this good of a team his first five years in a CBJ uniform, I think more people around the league would look at Savard as one of the best blue liners in terms of defense alone.

Nonetheless, he’s been a rock solid player his entire career in Columbus. In 326 games, Savard has 109 points, a +25 plus-minus, and many hits and blocks. Just like the first three players, he is also what you think a Blue Jacket is; Tough, unassuming, and just a hard worker. Savard’s not a glamorous player, but he’s still awesome.

Now, let’s look at some of the highlights of David Savard’s career.

Welcome to the NHL, Mr. Savard!

Savard like blocking. Savard like Bob.

David Savard loses his stick

“Put my leg in a tea kettle”

David Savard gives the CBJ the lead late in the 3rd period