Marc Savard Won’t Play In 2011-12; Bruins GM Says Career Likely Over

Savard’s career has been derailed by a series of concussions. He tweeted several times Monday morning following an attempt at working out with a trainer, saying that he didn’t think he would be able to play hockey any time soon -- likely ever.

According to NHL rule, players that play less than half of the regular season are not eligible to have their name placed on the Cup should their team win. Savard played just 25 games during the 2010-11 season thanks to lingering concussion symptoms, and it’s those same symptoms that will likely lead to his ultimate retirement.

But exceptions can be made, and that’s good news for Savard.

Via the Boston Globe:

“Living a healthy life” is something way beyond strapping on the skates and playing hockey again. It’s a whole other level of severity that really puts into context just how bad Savard’s condition is these days. It’s quite possible he’s done playing hockey, but that seems to pale in comparison to the road he still has to face in his recovery effort.

Preventing head trauma for players should be of the utmost priority for the NHL, but even new rules to crackdown on hits won’t prevent accidents from happening. A real solution may be hard to come by.

Visit Stanley Cup of Chowder for more on Marc Savard and the Boston Bruins.

After suffering yet another concussion, Marc Savard’s 2010-11 season could be over, according to a report from ESPN Boston. He’ll be evaluated on Wednesday, but it doesn’t look good for the 13-year NHL veteran.

Savard apparently returned to the lineup too early during the 2010 playoffs, and after missing several games earlier this season, this most recent concussion seems to be the most serious yet. In terms of the severity of the actual blow, the Bruins have called it moderate, but when you take into consideration his history, you have no just but to question Savard’s future in the NHL.

Savard took an awkward hit into the boards in Boston’s game Saturday night in Colorado, and late Monday we learned that he’s been diagnosed with a concussion. He’s out of the Bruins lineup indefinitely.

As he attempted to stand up from his knees after the hit, he fell backwards into the boards, grabbing his head. He left the game and did not return. Here’s the video: