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What's up with the search for the new CEO/President? |
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The quick answer to my blog title is… I have no idea. In fact, no one does.
John McDonough was abruptly fired on April 27th. Since then, there has been little to zero news on the plan.
From what I've heard and read, it sounds like the Blackhawks are in full internal audit mode.
They are not in a rush to replace John McDonough.
Originally, I assumed they had a plan, however, that was not the case. Rocky Wirtz knew he had Danny, his son, available to step into McDonough's position in the interim.
Danny Wirtz sounds like he will be a part of the team in some way, shape, or form moving forward. How big his role will be and what his business card will say is TBD at this point.
We're in unchartered territory here. Normally, we can surmise some trends and predictions on future Blackhawks moves but this feels different.
The Hawks are making big claims about "getting younger" and being "more innovative" in their future decisions. To be honest, that excited the heck out of me.
Whatever was happening in the last 4-5 years just wasn't working.
The overall mindset and perspective of the Blackhawks needs to change and that begins with the front office.
Unfortunately for some, I think Stan Bowman is safe for now. I believe he gets one last kick at the can without the oversight of John McDonough.
However, whenever this offseason begins, I do believe there will be more changes. I can see guys like Jay Blunk and Al MacIsaac being let go.
Also, I wouldn't be shocked to see someone like Ryan Stewart, who has served 14-years with the Blackhawks, looked at very closely by this new vision.
Stewart is the VP of Pro Scouting, and while the Hawks have excelled at scouting and recruiting players from Europe and Mark Kelley has had some nice wins on at the entry draft, there have been some very questionable acquisitions and signings on the pro side.
That's not to say Stewart is solely responsible for all of these moves, but after 14-years with the organization, it might be time for a new set of eyes and insight in that role.
Those are my thoughts on some of the possible business decisions in the front office, and now I would like to toss out a couple more scenarios that could play out in the coming months:
* Blackhawks separate McDonough's role into a) President of Business Ops and b) President of Hockey Ops
This is a scenario that many – including myself – think is a wise decision.
It was highly documented that John McDonough was meddling a little too much into hockey decisions. This should never happen again.
Danny Wirtz could remain as President of Business Ops, as well as maintain his role within the Wirtz's liquor business, however, I believe Danny will let someone else take that position while he advises in the background.
The business side has been humming along so I see someone like Pete Hassen, current VP, Marketing with the Blackhawks as that person on the business side. He was actually with the Hawks before McDonough joined and could continue to build off off the business side of things.
Yes, there are more candidates - internally and externally, but Pete seems like a sharp guy and I think keeping something internal is smart at this point, so he's my guy.
Who do I think should be up for the President of Hockey Operations?
Well, we've all heard the names out there, but here are the ones that stand out to me:
Bill Zito – This is a high character guy who has served mostly as an NHL agent. He grew up in Wisconsin and studied law in Chicago. He has been with the Columbus Blue Jacket organization since 2013. He currently serves as the Assistant GM to Jarmo Kekalainen, as well as hold the role of Sr. VP of Hockey Operations.
Kevin Weekes – His name has been brought up and is a bit of a wild card as he doesn't have any front office experience but that might be a good thing.
Weekes is really plugged into the league and is a very strong analyst for the NHL network.
His lack of executive experience but wealth of playing and media experience could gel well with Bowman to give Stan a new perspective.
Mike Futa – The former Assistant GM was just released by the LA Kings. Futa has been on the radar for GM and executive jobs for a while now.
Futa has an extensive list of roles including GM and Head Coach in the OHL,
WHC-17 for Team Canada, and highlighted by a career with the LA Kings since 2007 which included Director of Amateur Scouting, VP of Hockey Ops, Director of Player Personnel, GM of their AHL team, and Assistant GM.
Futa is known for having an outstanding eye for junior talent and his experience in the roles listed above would be vital for the Hawks new vision.
… and hey, look at that, he's available.
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I know the name Mike Gillis has come up but I don't feel like he would be a good fit.
Also, Eddie Olczyk has been brought up a lot, but I don't think he and Stan Bowman could work together. I think he's been too close to the team to be able to tell Stan how to fix this team.
If Stan was to be fired (also a possibility), I wouldn't be shocked to see Eddie emerge as a main candidate. Until then, my feeling is that Olczyk wouldn't be a good match at this time.
* Stan Bowman is elevated to President of Hockey Ops and brings on an up-and-coming GM
There is an option for the Hawks to move Stan Bowman into that President of Hockey Ops role. If they do, there's no way Stan can bring in an experienced guy like, let's say a Ray Shero type to replace him as GM. Bowman will still want his say and if the Hawks truly do want to get younger and more innovative, bringing in an up-and-coming GM is the way to go.
Despite what you think about Bowman, he would serve as an amazing mentor to a young GM as he grew up with hockey in his blood, served a couple of roles in an NHL front office, oh, and won a couple of Stanley Cups as a GM.
There are a few Assistant GMs who are ready for the next step in the league currently, but my dark horse decision is Steve Sullivan.
No, not just because he's an ex-Blackhawk, but because he's been taking on that unique role as an Assistant GM of the Arizona Coyotes, as well as being the GM of the Arizona Roadrunners in the AHL for the last 3 years.
Before that, Sullivan served in coaching positions, developmental roles, and the Director of Player Development, all within the Arizona "bootstrapped" organization.
As I said, there are other candidates out there, but Sullivan is a sharp, young mind and has been in a few different positions and can leverage that experience under Bowman's tutelage.
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This conversation seems like it will go on for a while, so I reserve the right to revise.
Maybe the Hawks want to see who – if any – executives get let go or become available after this season officially comes to a close.
The President/CEO or President of Hockey Ops in Chicago would be a coveted job, so there's a good chance the Blackhawks want to evaluate all available options before making a decision.
What direction would you like to see the Hawks go in? And who would you like to see in the role(s)?
Stay healthy and see ya out there!
TC
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
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