The summer of 1990 saw a trade that reverberated throughout the NHL, a transaction that continues to be debated and dissected to this day: the Montreal Canadiens' decision to send defenseman Chris Chelios and a second-round draft pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for center Denis Savard.

At the time, the trade was shocking. Savard was a dynamic offensive talent, known for his exciting playmaking and scoring ability. The Canadiens, seeking a spark in their offensive ranks, believed Savard could be the missing piece to another Stanley Cup run. Meanwhile, Chelios, though a Norris Trophy winner in 1989 and a Stanley Cup champion with Montreal in 1986, was coming off an injury-plagued season. Concerns about his knee and off-ice behavior reportedly factored into the Canadiens' willingness to make the deal.

Montreal's general manager, Serge Savard, later admitted that the trade was one of the biggest blunders of his career. In his authorized biography, Savard stated that a worrisome medical opinion regarding Chelios's knee factored heavily into the decision, suggesting his career might only last another season or two. He also acknowledged that Chelios's off-ice lifestyle, including an incident in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed to the decision.

For Chelios, the trade to Chicago was a homecoming, as he returned to play for his hometown team. The trade proved to be a turning point in his career. He blossomed into one of the league's premier defensemen, winning two more Norris Trophies with the Blackhawks in 1993 and 1996. Chelios became known for his toughness, durability, and exceptional defensive skills, solidifying his place as one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history.

Denis Savard's tenure in Montreal was shorter than Chelios's in Chicago. While he provided offensive contributions, he did not reach the same heights he had with the Blackhawks. Savard was later traded back to Chicago.

The trade's impact extended beyond the individual players involved. It altered the course of both franchises. The Blackhawks, with Chelios anchoring their defense, became a perennial contender. The Canadiens, despite Savard's contributions, did not achieve the same level of success.

Years later, the Chris Chelios trade remains a topic of discussion among hockey fans and analysts. It serves as a reminder of how trades, even those that seem logical at the time, can have unforeseen consequences. While the Canadiens sought to bolster their offense with Savard, they ultimately traded away a defenseman who would become a legend of the game.