Savard pronounced out for season, future in doubt

Boston, MA – Boston Bruins center Marc Savard will reportedly miss the upcoming season, and may not be able to resume his career due to the lingering effects of repeated concussions.

According to the Globe on Wednesday, Savard is still experiencing post- concussion syndrome more than seven months after a hit absorbed in late January ended his 2010-11 campaign.

The paper said that Savard has yet to be examined by teams doctors, but Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli stated that the 34-year-old will be examined and then declared unfit to play.

Savard's concussion issues began in earnest on March 7, 2010 in Pittsburgh, when Penguins forward Matt Cooke leveled him with a blindside elbow to the head. The blow was later revealed to be a Grade 2 concussion, and Savard missed the remainder of the regular season.

However, he was cleared to play for Boston's historic seven-game, second-round playoff loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, posting a goal and three points.

Still feeling the effects of the Cooke hit, Savard's return to action was delayed until December. He returned to play in 25 games last season, recording just two goals and 10 points, then was shut down in early February and placed on the club's long-term injured list.

This time, it was due to a hard hit from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Matt Hunwick in a game in Denver on January 22.

Savard, who came to the Bruins as an unrestricted free agent prior to the 2006-07 season, is under contract through 2017. He was expected to earn $7 million this year as part of a seven-year extension signed in December of 2009.

A veteran of more than 800 NHL games since breaking in with the Rangers in 1997, the Ottawa native has posted 207 goals and 706 points in 13 pro seasons.