Savard confirms the Habs are heading to the Stanley Cup Finals this season

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T. Tadi
August 20, 2021 (4:44 PM)

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He helped keep the Montreal Canadiens from winning the Stanley Cup last year. Il is maintenant déterminé à remporter avec eux et à ramener

Six weeks after helping the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Montreal Canadiens in a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final, the 30-year-old defenceman had his day with the Cup on Wednesday in Lac-Beauport, Quebec, his home since 2014. It was announced on July 28th that he had signed a four-year, $14 million contract (average yearly value $3.5 million) with Montreal.

"We'll attempt to bring it back (to Montreal) next year," Savard added. "I'd like to win the Cup next year in Lac-Beauport."

The Canadiens had an unlikely run to the Stanley Cup Final since 1993. They finished fourth in the seven-team Scotia North Division, where the top four teams made the playoffs. Montreal defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games, swept the Winnipeg Jets in the second round, and defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the Stanley Cup Semifinals.

Montreal added Savard, Mike Hoffman (three years, $13.5 million), and Cedric Paquette (one year, $950,000) this summer.

"It's a slightly different team," Savard added. "I enjoyed the Canadiens' performance in the Final. They have multiple Cup winners on their roster (Paquette with the Lightning and defenseman Joel Edmundson and goalie Jake Allen with the St. Louis Blues). I'll strive to add to the team's strength. We're all planning to win the Final."

Shea Weber's departure leaves a vacancy at defensemen. Due to several injuries, the Canadiens captain's NHL career may be ended, General Manager Marc Bergevin said on July 22. Last season, Weber averaged 25:13 ice time in 22 playoff games. Savard has 20:26 career avg and 20:17 playoff avg with the Blue Jackets and Lightning.

"I know," Savard said. "I've been doing it for years and won't stop. The team knows I can provide value. I'm sticking to the plan."

Savard, from St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, returns home this season. In 611 regular-season games with Columbus and Tampa Bay, he had 166 points (41 goals, 125 assists) and 16 points (one goal, 15 assists).

"I'm excited to get on the ice and play my first game at Bell Centre," he stated. "I'll be closer to my family and friends."

Credit: NHL