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Chiarelli Says Savard In Better Spot, But 'Just OK'

BOSTON (CBS) - Marc Savard got to watch Game 2 of the Bruins-Lightning Eastern Conference Finals alongside teammate Patrice Bergeron Tuesday night, but it is still uncertain when, or if, Savard will return.

"I met with him before the game. He's, I guess, just OK," Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli told 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich Wednesday morning. "I don't want to go into detail. He's in a better spot."

"I can't say what will happen going forward," said Chiarelli. "We're going to keep in touch and I told him we would see him at some point in the late spring, early summer."

Read: Chiarelli: Bergeron "Improving Rapidly," Had Light Contact On Tuesday

Savard has never been the same since March 10, 2010 when he took a hit to the head from Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke. Savard missed the rest of the 2009-10 regular season before returning in the playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers. He scored the game-winning goal of Game 1 in the series, but his return was probably a bit premature.

Listen: Toucher & Rich: Peter Chiarelli On Seguin's Stellar Performance

Savard was unable to start the 2010-11 season because of the lingering effects of the Cooke hit. He suffered headaches, depression and memory loss. Savard returned in December, but was a shell of his old self.

After suffering another concussion in February, his second in 10 months, Savard and the Bruins decided to shut the center down for good.

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Chiarelli said it was difficult for the former 97-point scorer to make the trip to Boston on Tuesday, but it was something he wanted to do.

"I'm sure it was tough for him to come down, but it was important for him," said Chiarelli. "He brought his kids and I think that eased the blow."

"He doesn't want to be a distraction," Chiarelli continued, "but we started talking about the power play and he lit up. You can just see the ebbs and flows of his moods."

Every game of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Bruins and Lightning can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub with pregame coverage beginning 60 minutes before each game with the Dunkin Donuts Bruins Pregame show.

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