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Serge Savard

Serge Savard is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and executive, best known for his long career with the Montreal Canadiens and later as the team’s general manager.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Serge Savard is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman and executive, best known for his long career with the Montreal Canadiens and later as the team’s general manager. He won seven Stanley Cups as a player, earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1969, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986.

Playing career

Savard made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1966–67 season and became a key defenceman for the team during its 1970s dynasty. He later played two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets before retiring in 1983.

Achievements and honours

His honours include the 1969 Conn Smythe Trophy, seven Stanley Cup championships as a player, and induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986. He was also named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2017.

Executive career

After retiring, Savard became a hockey executive, including serving as general manager of the Canadiens and leading their farm team, Sherbrooke, to a Calder Cup in 1985. As GM, he was part of Montreal’s 1986 and 1993 Stanley Cup victories.

International play

Savard represented Canada in major international competition, including the 1972 Summit Series and the 1976 Canada Cup.

Legacy

He is widely associated with Montreal’s championship era and is remembered as one of the era’s top defencemen. His nickname, “The Senator,” reflected his calm, respected style of play.

Key facts

  • Won seven Stanley Cups as a player with the Montreal Canadiens.
  • Won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1969 as playoff MVP, becoming the first defenceman to receive it.
  • Was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986.
  • Served as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, winning Stanley Cups in 1986 and 1993.
  • Represented Canada at the 1972 Summit Series and won the 1976 Canada Cup.
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Canadian context

Savard is a major figure in Canadian hockey history, especially for Montreal Canadiens fans, and he also represented Canada internationally at the 1972 Summit Series and the 1976 Canada Cup.[8][13]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Serge Savard?
Serge Savard is a Canadian former NHL defenceman and hockey executive, best known for his years with the Montreal Canadiens.
How many Stanley Cups did he win as a player?
He won seven Stanley Cups as a player, all with the Montreal Canadiens.
What awards did he win as a player?
His major individual honour was the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1969, awarded to the playoff MVP.
Did Serge Savard become a general manager?
Yes. He later served as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens and won Stanley Cups with the team in 1986 and 1993.
Is Serge Savard in the Hockey Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1986.
What is his connection to Team Canada?
He was part of Team Canada at the 1972 Summit Series and won the 1976 Canada Cup.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serge_Savard
    Supports: Birth date, NHL debut, Stanley Cup totals as player, Conn Smythe Trophy, and executive career highlights.
  2. NHL.comhttps://www.nhl.com/news/serge-savard-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players-285571686
    Supports: Nickname, career with Montreal and Winnipeg, and status as one of the NHL's 100 Greatest Players.
  3. The Hockey Writershttps://thehockeywriters.com/canadiens-serge-savard-memories/
    Supports: Birth date, Conn Smythe Trophy, Hall of Fame induction, GM career timeline, and Stanley Cup wins as GM.
  4. Hockey Canadahttps://www.hockeycanada.ca/en-ca/corporate/awards/order-hockey-canada/honourees/serge-savard
    Supports: Birth place, nickname, 1972 Summit Series, 1976 Canada Cup, and family details.
  5. Sportsnethttps://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/qa-serge-savard-talks-stanley-cups-summit-series-bond-hawerchuk/
    Supports: Seven Stanley Cups as a player, two as GM, and 1972 Summit Series participation.