from Stan Fischler at NHL.com,

Serge Savard played on seven Stanley Cup-winning teams during his 14 full seasons on the blue line with the Montreal Canadiens (1967-68 through 1980-81). He was voted winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 1969, when the Canadiens won their fourth championship in five seasons.

At age 29, Victor Hedman has one Stanley Cup ring, one Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman -- and, most recently, one Conn Smythe Trophy -- giving the Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman an increasing resemblance to the Montreal Hall of Famer in style and class.

Scotty Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history, mentored Savard in Montreal and has scouted Hedman from his Florida home. He's impressed with the similarities. "There's a very good comparison in in their styles," Bowman said. "The biggest difference is that when Serge was at his best in the 1970s, defensemen didn't carry the puck as often as they do now. Granted that Bobby Orr, Brad Park and Larry Robinson were exceptions. Savard could rush too, but he rushed only when needed; similar to (Canadiens Hall of Fame defenseman) Doug Harvey in his prime."

Jim Devellano agrees. Devellano, now an executive vice president with the Detroit Red Wings, was a scout for the St. Louis Blues in the late 1960s, when Savard began his NHL career. He now frequents Lightning home games from his Florida home.

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