Chicago Blackhawks superstar Denis Savard
Denis Joseph Savard (born February 4, 1961) is a former professional ice hockey player from Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1980 to 1997.
He was picked third overall in the 1980 Chicago Blackhawks draft. He was the highest-drafted player in the Blackhawks’ history until the organization drafted Patrick Kane with the first overall pick in 2007. Although Canadiens fans had hoped they would pick Savard, the Canadiens drafted Doug Wickenheiser instead. He mainly played for the Chicago Blackhawks and later with the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Savard quickly became a pivotal player for the Blackhawks, leading the team to the Conference Finals multiple times during the 1980s. Although they never clinched the championship during those runs, Savard’s performances were nothing short of spectacular, often being pitted against the formidable teams led by the legendary Wayne Gretzky.
Savard’s skill on the ice was undeniable, and he became famous for his ‘Savardian Spin-o-rama,’ a term coined by Danny Gallivan. This move allowed him to evade defenders with a graceful pirouette, maintain control of the puck, and often lead to spectacular goals. This signature move became a hallmark of his playing style and is still celebrated in hockey lore today.
His contributions to the sport were recognized when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000, a testament to his impact on the game.
Beyond his time with the Blackhawks, Savard also played for the Montreal Canadiens, with whom he won the Stanley Cup in 1993, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. His tenure with the Canadiens was particularly notable as it brought him the coveted championship that had eluded him during his time in Chicago. After a brief period with the Lightning, Savard returned to the Blackhawks to finish his career, retiring in 1997. Following his retirement as a player, Savard continued his involvement in hockey, transitioning into coaching.
He served as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks and has been an ambassador for the organization, contributing his expertise and experience to the next generations of players.
His legacy extends beyond his playing days, influencing the sport and the Blackhawks’ organization in numerous ways.
Savard’s early life in Montreal, where he grew up, was marked by his participation in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from Verdun, Quebec. These early experiences on the ice paved the way for his future success despite Montreal Canadiens fans’ high hopes that Savard would be drafted by his hometown team.
He made his mark with the Blackhawks, setting a Blackhawks rookie record for most points at (75) that stood until broken by Steve Larmer during the 1982-83 season with (90).
The trade that sent Savard to the Canadiens in exchange for Chris Chelios and a second-round pick was a significant moment in NHL history. While the trade was initially met with mixed reactions, it ultimately proved beneficial for the Blackhawks as Chelios went on to have some of his best seasons with the team. Meanwhile, Savard’s career, though still impressive, began to wind down.
Denis Savard’s career statistics testify to his skill and longevity in the NHL. He scored at least 100 points five times during his career and had at least 30 goals for seven straight years. His highest point total of 131 came in 1987–88, and his highest goal total of 47 came in 1985–86.
Throughout his career, he played 1,196 games, scored 473 goals, and made 865 assists, totaling 1,338 points.
His playoff performances were equally impressive, with 66 goals and 109 assists in 169 games. He was selected to play nine NHL All-Star games from 1982 until 1996. These numbers reflect the high level of play that Savard maintained throughout his career, making him one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players‘ in history, a title bestowed upon him in 2017.
Savard officially retired from professional hockey on June 26, 1997. On March 19, 1998, the Blackhawks retired his jersey number #18. Savard was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13, 2000.
Keep Your Stick on the Ice. (Chicago Blackhawks superstar Denis Savard)
