Savard fired off one shot on goal in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

After clearing the 20-point plateau each of the last three seasons, Savard is certainly in danger in 2017-18 as he's only collected seven points (two goals, five assists) in 32 games -- while currently riding an eight game pointless streak. Still, Savard's shooting percentage sits at a mere 3.2 percent and he averages 19:41 of ice time, so the points should start rolling in. Regardless Savard has notched 59 hits and 53 blocked shots so far this season, and continues to provide a physical presence on the blue line.

Savad has recorded 34 shots, 10 PIM, 28 hits and 31 blocked shots while averaging 19:45 of ice time per contest through 17 games this season.

EDGE Analysis

The steady defenseman owns the offensive upside to post respectable scoring numbers, but he's settled into a defensive role and has begun 56.7 percent of his five-on-five shifts in his own end. As a result, Savard's fantasy value lies in his ability to tilt the scales across all categories, which can be quite beneficial in particular settings.

Savard scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's 5-4 overtime win over the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

He also added four shots on goal and a plus-2 rating. The points were Savard's first of the season, but after setting a career high with a plus-33 rating in 2016-17, the veteran defenseman is back at it with a plus-4 rating through five games.

Savard might have his ice time reduced over the final two games of the regular season, Tom Reed of The Columbus Dispatch reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Blue Jackets' depth on the blue line has been tested down the stretch with both Zach Werenski (shoulder) and Ryan Murray (hand) sidelined, and now that their first-round playoff matchup is set in stone, coach John Tortorella may want to give his key defensemen a bit of a break prior to their postseason showdown with the Penguins. Savard has carried a heavy load this season, averaging 21:46 a night, and if Werenski can't return for the start of the playoffs that ice time will probably increase with Savard and Jack Johnson forming the Jackets' most reliable defensive duo. Getting fewer shifts this weekend might help keep some pep in Savard's postseason step.

Savard found twine in a 5-2 loss to the Maple Leafs on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The blueliner also fired a heart seven shots on goal, giving him 114 in 64 games this season. Savard's most impressive stat is easily his plus-27 rating, while his 22 points still leave something to be desired for a guy that put up 36 two seasons ago.

Savard scored a goal and posted four shots in 23:53 minutes of ice time during a 5-3 loss to the Sabres on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old only has five goals and 20 points this season, but he scored twice this weekend. Savard also has recorded three goals and seven points in the last nine contests. Savard might not have the same scoring touch as he did when he scored 11 times in 2014-15, but he's heating up, and owners have to like his career-best plus-25 rating.

Savard recorded a goal, three shots on net, a blocked shot, a minor penalty and a plus-1 rating during Friday's win over Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

While the 26-year-old blue liner isn't an offensive force, he regularly tilts the scales in the peripheral categories. Through his past 13 games, Savard has collected two goals, seven points, 27 shots, 27 blocked shots, 12 PIM, 19 hits and a plus-6 rating. Those numbers move the needle in deeper fantasy settings. However, it's worth noting that Savard doesn't receive many looks with the man advantage.

Savard had a big game Saturday against the Islanders, scoring a goal, adding two assists and finishing plus-5 in a 7-0 romp.

EDGE Analysis

It's Savard's first multi-point effort of the season and his first career three-point game. He now has 16 points on the season, but just four points in his last 10 games. Savard had a great game, but don't be sucked in by the points -- he's just not delivering enough offense to be reliable in the fantasy arena.

Savard (back) will suit up Saturday against the Red Wings, Mark Scheig of Hockey Writers reports.

EDGE Analysis

After missing eight of the past nine games due to back spasms, Savard will take Scott Harrington's position Saturday against Detroit. The 26-year-old was never exactly a stat hog before the injury, though. The blueliner has been averaging 21:24 TOI this season, but he has only two goals and 10 assists in 45 games to show for it. Savard had a productive season last year (25 points, 65 games), but injuries may be breaking up his chances at gaining momentum, making him more of a wait-and-see.

Savard (back) was able to take part in Thursday's practice, although he wasn't a full participant, The Columbus Dispatch reports. "I felt good today and it was nice to be back with the guys," the defenseman said afterwards. "It was good to skate around and do drills - passing, shooting, stuff like that. So we're heading in the right direction."

EDGE Analysis

He's missed seven of the Blue Jackets' past eight games due to back spasms, but Savard will likely need at least another couple of days to get back into game shape before he'll be an option on the team's blue line. The 26-year-old has two goals, 12 points and a plus-19 rating in 45 games on the season.