Savard: Canadiens 'planning to return to the final and to win it'

A native of St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, David Savard has already brought the Stanley Cup back to his home province. This time around, he wants to do it as a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

"We're going to try to bring it back (to Montreal), that's the plan for next year," Savard said, according to writers at NHL.com. "We're all planning to return to the final and to win it."

Savard was sent to the Tampa Bay Lightning from the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of a three-way trade involving the Detroit Red Wings days before the deadline. He was a solid stay-at-home defenseman for the Bolts and put up five points in 20 playoff games to help them repeat as champions.

The 30-year-old saw his newest team up close and personal in the finals as the Lightning dispatched the Habs in five games.

"I liked the way the Canadiens played against us in the final. They have several veterans who've already won the Cup," he said. "I'm going to try to bring my own baggage and make it an even better team."

Savard currently lives 20 minutes north of Quebec City in Lac-Beauport and had his day with the Cup on Wednesday. He signed a four-year, $14-million deal with the Canadiens earlier this offseason.

"I'm looking forward to putting on the skates and playing a first game at Bell Centre," he added. "It will be nice to be closer to my family and my friends."

Savard joins other notable newcomers such as Mike Hoffman and Cedric Paquette as the Canadiens hunt for more playoff success.

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