Savard was named the 36th head coach in Blackhawk history on Nov. 27, finishing the season with a 24-30-7 record.

"We were very satisfied with the job Denis did last season and we feel he has earned this opportunity," GM Dale Tallon said in a statement Thursday. "Denis has been a part of the Blackhawks organization for a long time.

"We know that he will put his heart and soul into coaching this team just as he did as a player."