Savard will keep Adams involved

It likely going to be months before Kevyn Adams plays again, but Blackhawks coach Denis Savard plans to keep the veteran center actively involved in the workings of the team.

Adams tore ligaments in his knee in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over Columbus and could be sidelined for the rest of the season. He didn't have a goal in 15 games but was considered one of the most valuable leaders in the dressing room.

"Losing a guy like Kevyn is huge," teammate Adam Burish said. "He didn't score and a lot of people look at the stats, but he was so valuable in the dressing room and so positive on the bench. We're going to really miss him."

Savard said that as soon as Adams is up for it, he will be involved in team matters.

"I'll fit him in," Savard said. "He means a lot for us as a coaching staff. He's a great leader and we're going to miss that, but trust me, I'm going to put him in there, bring him on trips. I want him at the rink. Maybe he can help us in the office. He probably has that potential to be a coach."

Looking ahead: When Martin Havlat does return to the Hawks' lineup, possibly Wednesday at Columbus, he will skate on the first line with Robert Lang and Jason Williams, according to Denis Savard.

Havlat took some shifts with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane at Thursday's practice and worked some pretty passing plays. But Savard has no plans at the present time to split up the threesome of Toews, Kane and Tuomo Ruutu.

"The kids are doing a great job and Ruuty has done a great job with those two kids, and that's where it's going to stay," Savard said. "I don't have any intention of separating the kids at all."

Tip-ins: Enforcer David Koci is back practicing with a face shield to protect his broken nose. Denis Savard said he didn't expect Koci to play again until Nov. 22 at Calgary. …

Mark your calendars: rookies Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will be appear at HawkQuarters on Michigan Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 8, for an autograph session from 2-4 p.m.