The 2010s were a remarkable era for the Chicago Blackhawks, highlighted by the leadership of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Duncan Keith. However, the team’s history also boasts legendary players from earlier times. One such icon is Dennis Savard, who spent 13 of his 17 career years with the Blackhawks and made a lasting impact.
Savard’s standout season was in 1987-88 when he set career records with 44 goals, 87 assists, and 131 points. His 131 points remain the highest ever scored in a single season by a Blackhawks player—a franchise record that still stands today. The NHL has celebrated franchise single-season point leaders for every team, and Savard’s name features prominently on Chicago’s list alongside hockey greats like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and Mike Bossy. Emerging stars such as Jack Eichel, Jack Hughes, and Clayton Keller have also made the list in more recent years.
Former Blackhawks stars Marian Hossa and Artemi Panarin appear on the record books for other teams as well; Hossa leads the Winnipeg Jets with 100 points in 2006-07, while Panarin holds the Columbus Blue Jackets’ record with 87 points in 2018-19. Savard surpassed the previous record set in the 1982-83 season and still holds the top single-season totals in franchise history. Patrick Kane ranks fifth for the Blackhawks with a 110-point tally from the 2018-19 season.
While the Blackhawks have many promising young talents, it’s unlikely anyone will break Savard’s single-season points record anytime soon. Recent history shows that reaching such high marks is a rare feat in today’s NHL. Beyond his impressive season records, Savard’s career is decorated with accolades including a Stanley Cup championship, multiple All-Star appearances, and recognition as one of the NHL’s 100 greatest players during its centennial season. His legacy as a hockey legend is well deserved.
Fan Take: Dennis Savard’s enduring record and legendary status remind us of the rich history embedded in the NHL and the Blackhawks franchise. For hockey fans, honoring such legends keeps the spirit of the game alive and sets a high standard that inspires both current players and future stars.
