While Marc Savard's chances at a return from post-concussion syndrome look bleak, theres very clearly still a future in hockey for the playmaking pivot. Savard is in Peterborough, Ontario and heavily involved with the hockey paths of his children, and he indicated last week on his Twitter account that hed like to get involved in coaching.
Before anybody envisions Savard with a clipboard hastily drawing up power-play formations for Tyler Seguin on a dry-erase board, it appears the injured Bruins center is most interested in coaching at the OHL junior level in Canada.
I think I am very interested in coaching hockey at high level OHL
marc savard (@MSavvy91) November 21, 2012
Just at the junior level I coached aaa last and I loved it giveback
marc savard (@MSavvy91) November 21, 2012
The coaching option is an intriguing one for a player like Savard, who clearly has a keen mind for the game of hockey considering the 499 career assists on his NHL resume in 807 games for the Rangers, Flames, Thrashers and Bruins. The OHL is also just one step away from a coaching gig at the NHL level as many like Dale Hunter have proven over the years. (Hunter jumped from the London Knights to the Washington Capitals last year.)
Savard hasnt played in an NHL game since January of the 2010-11 NHL season when he was concussed by a hit from former teammate Matt Hunwick. The Bs center indicated as recently as last month that he still suffers headaches, memory loss and other post-concussion symptoms. Following this season Savard will still have four years and more than 16 million remaining on a contract extension signed in 2009-10, just months before Matt Cooke hit him with a career-altering blindside head shot.
Despite his inactivity as a player, Savard has been actively participating in the NHLPA process during the lockout and has voiced his own strong opinions as well. He tweeted his concurrence with Sidney Crosby when the Penguins forward put forth a theory that the NHL might be planning for a season-long shutdown due to the lockout.
Crosby's comments on the lockout I couldn't agree more..I'm starting to think its the NHL's mandate to not have a season.. nhlpastaystrong
marc savard (@MSavvy91) November 14, 2012
Playing or not playing, its good to hear Savards voice active and alert while he thinks about what kind of possibilities wait for him down the road in his hockey career.