Hashed Tag (blackhawks)

blackhawks

Hashed Tag

By Theo Fox

Mar 1, 2022 β€’ 12:37 pm

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Sources:
Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, NBC Sports Chicago, The Athletic Chicago

This tweet yesterday by the Blackhawks really isn't much of a teaser when essentially the whole hockey community already knows the answer a day in advance thanks to Frank Seravalli from the Daily Faceoff who first broke the news before it spread like wildfire on social media and the interwebs.

Today the Blackhawks will formally announce interim general manager Kyle Davidson as the permanent hire. Despite the litany of candidates who interviewed and were rumored to have been invited to interview, it's not a big surprise that the interim tag is being lifted from Davidson's title.

Is this a case of the team going with a known quantity who knows the organization inside and out as Davidson has as a former intern who ascended the ranks of management over the last decade? Is this the path of least resistance? Or is this truly the right decision based on established criteria and identified needs?

Whether or not those questions get responses is irrelevant now that a hiring decision is finally made. What matters more moving forward is what the franchise's vision and direction are in the Davidson era as GM. Not that he's the sole arbiter but he's the figurehead that all eyes will be on to make such proclamations.

Are the Hawks going for a rebuild over the long haul, a retool on a shorter time span, or a reinvestment in going all-in to contend in 2022-23? No matter the strategy or the term used, definitions would be helpful since a rebuild -- for instance -- can come in different shapes. Same with a retool for that matter.

Another point of interest with the GM announcement is how the front office's organizational chart -- specifically the sector of hockey operations -- may be revamped. Reports are already out that Brian Campbell will have a new role. What about Davidson's former fellow assistant GMs in Mark Eaton and Ryan Stewart?

And with the trade deadline three weeks away, there's plenty of intrigue on what Davidson will do with deals to start forming a roster and restocking a pipeline to his liking. It's been evident for a while that the Hawks will be sellers. So who's on sale and what's coming back in return without getting fleeced?

Davidson has shared in past interviews that he's not wedded to the past and to any players so is he willing to part with everyone and anyone including Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Alex DeBrincat, Kirby Dach, and Seth Jones? Some would be easier to ship out than others. Again, the key is getting optimal assets back.

It will officially be Davidson's team soon once the formal announcement is made.

Buckle up and let's see where this goes.

Roster Updates

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Prospect Updates

* Artur Kayumov (2016 draft pick) * Jalen Luypen (2021) * Antti Saarela (2019) * Jake Wise (2018) * Ethan Del Mastro (2021) * Alex Vlasic (2019)

Then the following prospects are already signed to ELCs and have a high probability of starting their pro careers next season likely with the IceHogs:

* Colton Dach (2021) * Nolan Allan (2021) * Louis Crevier (2020)

And these prospects should stay in college or in Europe for another season then consider getting under contract with the Hawks a year from now:

* Ryder Rolston (2020, Avalanche) * Landon Slaggert (2020) * Victor Stjernborg (2021) * Wyatt Kaiser (2020) * Drew Commesso (2020)

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Trade Rumors

Sure, Dubas could be savvy enough to not trade his best assets in order to beef up the Toronto roster as they gear up for the postseason. But contenders get desperate this time of season. Like the Oilers, are either team that comfortable entering the playoffs with their current goaltenders and advancing far with them?

Marc-Andre Fleury says hi.

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See you on the boards!

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