Serge Savard

Canadian defenceman who won seven Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens and became the first defenceman to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Born on 22 January 1946 in Montreal, Quebec, Serge Savard made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1966-67 season after progressing through the Montreal Junior Canadiens and the Omaha Knights. In just his second full NHL season, 1968-69, Savard won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the playoffs, becoming the first defenceman in NHL history to receive the award. Savard's early career was interrupted by two broken legs, in 1970 and 1971, injuries that would have ended many careers but which he overcame to become one of the most complete two-way defencemen of his era, renowned for a smooth, economical skating style that became known as the 'Savardian spin-o-rama'. Across fifteen seasons with the Canadiens, Savard was part of seven Stanley Cup championship teams, including the dynasty years of the mid-1970s. Savard finished his playing career with a brief stint with the Winnipeg Jets before retiring in 1983. He went on to a highly successful executive career, serving as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens and guiding the team to two further Stanley Cup championships, in 1986 and 1993, adding to his legacy as one of the most decorated figures in franchise history both on and off the ice. Nicknamed 'The Senator' for his dignified bearing, Savard was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986 and named one of the 100 Greatest NHL Players in 2017. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to the sport and to Montreal business life.

Smooth, economical skater known for the 'Savardian spin-o-rama' evasive move

One of the most complete two-way defencemen in NHL history and later a highly successful general manager