Whether he ever plays again is still in question, and it's not a question Savard was ready to answer on Monday as he appeared with Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli and Dr. Peter Asnis for a news conference at the TD Garden.
Chiarelli announced then that Savard would be shut down for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs after suffering a concussion on Jan. 22 in Colorado.
"We feel that it's best for his short-term, medium-term and long-term welfare and security," Chiarelli said of the decision.
Savard's long-term health now becomes the next big issue looming over the franchise and its top playmaker. Savard was in the first year of a seven-year, $28-million deal signed prior to suffering his first severe concussion on a blind-side hit by Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke last March, but it's hard to envision him fulfilling the full length of that contract.
Cooke's hit sidelined Savard for the rest of the regular season and opening round of the playoffs. He did return for the second round against Philadelphia but suffered a recurrence of post-concussion symptoms in the summer and missed training camp and the first 23 games of this season. He made it back for 25 games before a hit by former Bruin Matt Hunwick left Savard with another concussion and another season ended too soon.
Will the time off be enough to allow Savard to recuperate and resume his career next season?
"I'm sure Marc wants to come back," Bruins center Patrice Bergeron said. "I'm sure he wanted to come back this year. It's our passion. We love the game and want to be out there. He's going to be shut down for the season and I'm sure he won't know what to do with himself, but he's got to take that time and I'm sure he's going to think about his future. He's got to think about himself first and make sure he's back to normal before making any decisions."
Bergeron, who was on hand with Zdeno Chara and Mark Recchi to support Savard, knows what Savard is going through. He suffered a severe concussion of his own that ended his 2007-08 season after just 10 games. Bergeron also suffered another concussion the following year but has worked his way back to being the Bruins' leading scorer this season and one of the league's top two-way forwards.
"I know what it's like," Bergeron said. "I've been through it and it's not easy. People that haven't been through it don't realize how hard it is.
"I know it will get better, but it's a matter of time and he's going to take that time," Bergeron added.
Bergeron's recovery lends hope that Savard can return at some point, but there are dangers as well. Having already suffered multiple concussions, Savard could be even more susceptible to more.
"Each concussion is different, each patient is different, and we really have to treat them on an individual basis," Dr. Ansis said. "But certainly, we worry about players that have had concussions going forward."
Savard isn't ready to think about retirement yet. Just acknowledging that he wouldn't be able to play again this year was difficult for him.
"I've tried to stay away from that right now," Savard said when asked if he was considering retirement. "It's tough enough as it is not to be able to finish the season. I'm obviously going to get some more medical stuff done, some tests, then I'll be able to make a clearer decision on what my future is. Right now, I'm hoping to be able to continue at some point again."
Right now, Savard's only concern should be getting healthy. But once he does get better, he will eventually have to think about staying healthy for the rest of his life, and whether doing that and playing hockey again are compatible.
