Blackhawks have plans to extend Savard's deal

All indications point to Blackhawks coach Denis Savard getting a contract extension before the start of the season.

"He's got nothing to worry about," Hawks chairman Rocky Wirtz said Tuesday.

Savard has one year remaining on his contract, which was extended before last season, his first full year behind the bench.

Savard led the Hawks to an 88-point finish, missing the playoffs by 3 points. It was a 17-point improvement from 2006-07 when Savard replaced Trent Yawney after 21 games.

Wirtz praised Savard's work last season, particularly the way he handled and brought along the Hawks' young players.

"We haven't discussed (an extension) yet," Wirtz said. "We have a lot ahead of us, but I will say the better Savvy does the more money he's going to make so you can look at it that way, too.

"It's going to be fine. We have faith in him as an organization."

General manager Dale Tallon also is entering the final year of his contract. Wirtz said there also have been no discussions with Tallon as yet, but it's expected the GM will get an extension as well