Denis Savard

Denis Savard is an NHL Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, and former head coach, now an ambassador for the Chicago Blackhawks. After being drafted third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, Denis Savard quickly established himself as a dynamic force in professional ice hockey. In his debut 1980–81 season, Savard set a Blackhawks record for most points by a rookie with 75. Throughout his initial tenure with the Blackhawks from 1980 to 1990, he became renowned for his innovative ‘Savardian Spin-o-rama’ move, an elusive maneuver that frequently confounded defenders and goaltenders.

His significant contributions were further honored when the Blackhawks retired his jersey number, #18, in 1998, and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000. Transitioning from player to coach, Savard joined the Blackhawks’ coaching staff in 1997, a role he held until being named head coach in 2006. As head coach, he steered the team to within three points of a playoff berth in his second season, marking the organization’s first 40-win season in six years. Savard was replaced as head coach in 2008, but his integral connection to the Blackhawks organization continued.

Since 2008, Savard has served as an ambassador for the Chicago Blackhawks, maintaining a prominent presence within the franchise. In recognition of his enduring impact and contributions to the team’s ongoing success, he received Stanley Cup rings in 2010, 2013, and 2015, celebrating the Blackhawks’ championships. His legendary status in the sport was reaffirmed in 2017 when he was recognized as one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history.