Bruins center Marc Savard (34 years-old) will reportedly miss all of the upcoming 2011-2012 season, and most likely will not be able to resume his career due to the lingering effects from a series of concussions. The Globe confirmed Wednesday that Savard has still been experiencing post-concussion syndrome almost seven months after a hit that ended his 2010-2011 campaign in January.
The first real issue with Savard's concussions came March 7, 2010, when Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke hit Savard with a blindside elbow to the head. It was later revealed that Savard suffered a Grade 2 concussion, deeming him unfit to finish the season; though he did feature in the playoffs during Boston's seven game series against the Flyers.
The former Oshawa General then began the 2010-2011 season in December, as he was still feeling the effects of concussion that Matt Cooke delivered. He wasn't himself; putting up a modest 10 points in 25 games. On January 22, Colorado D-Man Matt Hunwick delivered a clean but hard hit on the Bruin's forward, again resulting in a concussion. This hit would again shut the forward down for the rest of the season; a season where his Boston Bruins ended up winning the Cup, leaving a bitter sweet taste in the mouth of Savard. Despite his concussion history, Savard had superior playmaking skills that allowed him to put up 706 points in 13 pro seasons and 800 NHL games.
When news like this hits the fan, a hockey fan must really wonder what kind of effects Sidney Crosby is feeling right now. The best player in the NHL is also dealing with post concussion syndrome after being hit hard by Steckel and Hedman on two separate occasions in early January. With Crosby's return still up in the air, one must wonder how much care and thought will now be put into a proper return of the league's best player. Hopefully, Sid the Kid doesn't join the likes of Lindros, Kariya and now Savard as great players whose careers were cut short due to concussion.
