First off, let's address the news that Rocky Wirtz has spoken and committed to standing behind John McDonough, Stan Bowman, and Jeremy Colliton.
Wirtz tells The Athletic's Scott Powers that all of head coach Jeremy Colliton, general manager Stan Bowman and president John McDonough will return next season.
"Oh yeah, absolutely," Wirtz said. "There's not going to be any changes in the front office." (Courtesy of TSN.ca)
I think the majority of Blackhawks' nation is disappointed. I personally am disappointed. I'm not as disappointed that they will be all back next year, but more at the level of disillusion that Rocky believes this is the best group of guys available to lead them back to Stanley Cup contention.
Why does Rocky need to give such a ringing endorsement on March 19th, 2020?
I would like to see him make these guys a little more accountable for 3 consecutive seasons with no playoffs; All of these seasons with Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Jonathan Toews and Corey Crawford playing at a very high level.
I'll more to say about the front office, coaching and Stan Bowman in general through the summer, but overall, I feel frustrated and like I'm going insane. The insanity is not just because I'm stuck at my house day-in-and-day-out, but the craziness that is the Blackhawks trying to do the same thing over and over with different results (the actual definition of insanity).
Anywho, on to more positive and fun fantasy talk about what the Hawks could look like in 2020-21 if any of us were to be handed Stan Bowman's job.
First up, Mr. Sarcasm himself, DarthKane.
I will post DK's team now that he has created on CapFriendly.com. Then I will breakdown my thoughts.
I have to say, not too shabby, DK.
I think there is a high chance Maatta is traded and a draft pick or two would make sense. He's a luxury as a 3rd pairing defenceman and think he was solid this year, you just can't pay a 5-6 that much much ($4.1M per).
I thought there was a good chance that the Hawks took on Ryan Dzingel in a trade at the deadline. It was no secret that the Hawks and Canes were chatting Lehner and Gustafsson around the TDL and if there was to be a contract/money sent by CAR, Dzingel makes a lot of sense.
Kampf would fit in Carolina in the hole that they made by trading lower line centre Lucas Wallmark.
Even though I'm not the biggest Dzingel fan, at that price, bringing him back near his hometown would be a gamble worth making.
The best for last, DK trades the rights to Ian Mitchell, Victor Ejdsell, Dylan Sikura and a 3rd rounder for Ilya Sorokin, Josh Ho-Sang and a 5th rounder.
It was Darren Dreger's fault that Sorokin's now on our radar, but I'd be lying if I said that I didn't drool at that fact.
I would hate to give up Mitchell, but it's not every day that a sure-fire goaltending prospect comes your way. I like the creativity here, GM.
How good are DK's negotiation skills?
Well, he's managed to re-sign:
* Dylan Strome for $4M
* Dominik Kubalik for $3.75M
* Matthew Highmore for $1M
* Corey Crawford for $4M
I think he's close on a lot of these. I could see Strome and Kubalik looking for more, but this is where they could net out.
I'm not sure how many years DK signed Corey Crawford for, but I could live with a 2-year deal at $4M, especially when he's mentoring superstud Sorokin.
DK also had Stan Bowman as the GM in charge of this team (after he made it better of course) and Gerard Gallant as the head coach.
Obviously, with the news of Rocky backing Bowman, Colliton, and Co. it's highly unlikely that there's a more. Gallant would be my choice too for the record.
At the end of the day, DarthKane secured more draft picks for the 2020 draft, made some solid signings and savvy trades, all while staying under the cap.
While I think the defense is way too young and inexperienced, I like the team overall.
This has been the first edition of Best of Blackhawks Armchair GMing. If you think you could do a better job then DarthKane, then please PM me on Hockeybuzz with the link or screenshots of your team.
It's highly unlikely your team beats what DK has put together, especially when you lose Ian Mitchell when he signs with the Rangers (Red Font).
Stay safe and see ya out there!
TC
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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