Marc Savard May Return for Second Round of Playoffs if Bruins Advance

If the Boston Bruins can get past the Buffalo Sabres in the first round of the playoffs, the Black and Gold might get back their top playmaker.

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli told TSN on Tuesday that Marc Savard may return to the lineup if Boston advances. Getting the center back would certainly be a boon to Boston's playoff hopes.

"Let’s put it in perspective — Savvy’s had some good days lately and you don’t want to ruin that, but he’s still a ways away," Chiarelli said during a conference call on Tuesday night following the draft lottery. "I know he’s chomping at the bit, and I talked to him [on Monday] and he sounded great. It's great news that he’s recovering now."

Savard is recovering from a concussion sustained March 7 in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins when Matt Cooke punished Savard with a blindside hit. Last year's leading scorer hasn't played since.

Chiarelli said Savard had a "brisk walk" on Monday with no repercussions.

Savard must go seven days without symptoms and pass an exertion test before he can return to the ice. He has notched just 10 goals and 23 assists in 41 games because of the concussion and an MCL tear that sidelined him in January.

Still, Savard remains one of the league's top playmakers and scored six goals (seven assists) in 11 playoff games last season. The Bruins fell in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes in the conference semifinals.

The opening round of the playoffs starts Thursday.