I'm feeling today like there is a fresh start in Hawk land. Looking forward to how the front office is rebuilt. Also looking forward to defending the new GM to the usual suspects.
- mohel

Well you are a big fat 0 for 1 so far. Even I could not envision the levels the former GM could sink. Hell, I just thought he handed out BS deals and negotiated against ghosts when making trades. Turns out, he was WORSE.

In the end, maybe the new guy will be competent and qualified and you won't need to defend him. Just because a guy has "a position" doesn't mean there will be "usual suspects" or that he will need to be "defended", especially if he makes good choices.

Well we thought he was rebuilding, but then he switched gears mid stream, a completely clueless, rudderless direction. The Jones trade and contract will end up being Bowman's going away present.
- kwolf68

This! The franchise needs a guy who can construct a long term plan and locate then hire people to execute that long term plan not a guy who can win a trade and find a 3C or 2LW.

Hire a prez of hockey ops (the man operating the rudder) and then a GM/hockey people/scouts/coach.

Kyle Davidson’s bio mentions nothing of his playing experience. Is anyone aware if he played at either the college or professional level?

Kyle Davidson’s bio mentions nothing of his playing experience. Is anyone aware if he played at either the college or professional level?
- scottak

He did not but he seems like a sharp, innovative and hungry guy. https://theathletic.com/2...khawks-kyle-davidson-nhl/

He did not but he seems like a sharp, innovative and hungry guy. https://theathletic.com/2...khawks-kyle-davidson-nhl/
- Mr Ricochet

Thanks!

Well you are a big fat 0 for 1 so far. Even I could not envision the levels the former GM could sink. Hell, I just thought he handed out BS deals and negotiated against ghosts when making trades. Turns out, he was WORSE.

In the end, maybe the new guy will be competent and qualified and you won't need to defend him. Just because a guy has "a position" doesn't mean there will be "usual suspects" or that he will need to be "defended", especially if he makes good choices.
- kwolf68

If not for the guy you have irrationally hated because the Great Dale was let go, you'd have one Cup insted of three. So, no I'm not 0 for 1. Nice try.

The absolute silliest comment of the day yesterday was you saying that you'd respect Stan if only he'd take responsibility. An absolute untruth, as anyone who has read your emotion-fueled rantings over the years can attest.

If not for the guy you have irrationally hated because the Great Dale was let go, you'd have one Cup insted of three. So, no I'm not 0 for 1. Nice try.

The absolute silliest comment of the day yesterday was you saying that you'd respect Stan if only he'd take responsibility. An absolute untruth, as anyone who has read your emotion-fueled rantings over the years can attest.

- mohel

That was rich. Tbf, pretty sure Wolfie wasn't a Dale guy. Maybe at the time he was, but he's always been part of the pitchfork and torch crowd where Stan's involved...before the two extra Cups, during and after.

At least he has an actual reason to hate him now even though he's done with his vendetta.

Thought his earlier post was good. Was back to being rational Wolfie for a second.

Just a few comments:

** Good lord, what a horrible situation, just unbelievable
** Internal investigation was the best thing the Hawks could have done. Had this come from outside Hawks may be looking at much stiffer penalties. The current penalties seem very light
** Q is likely not long for it, he too should be terminated if allegations are true
** Disappointed any of these men (Bowman, Q, whoever) were allowed to "step down". They should have been FIRED and maybe Q will be. Then, good.
** How much did the players know about this? I am reading some disturbing things. If they knew, then the Cup IS tainted
** I disagree that addressing this in 2010 would have hurt the team's chances to win the Cup. Had the Hawks met it head on the moment allegations surfaced, you quickly get in front of it, fire the video guy and press charges. You keep the steamroller rolling while ALSO maintaining your integrity

And off the beaten path again
** I am NOT blaming the victim, but it's kinda weird to me a "Video Guy" could force a pro hockey player into a sexual situation. Hockey players are supposed to be badass. Imagine trying to force Bob Probert into something like that? I know not everyone is as tough as he was, but it's just odd a pro hockey player can be forced into this. Reminds me of the BS that happened at Penn State, college football players are some sturdy boys, can't believe they didn't pummel that scumbag coach. And yes I understand that "power" is not always meant to be physical, and psychological power can be just as, even more, detrimental. This just underscores my ignorance.

In the end this has all but ended the NHL season for Hawks fans. I am contemplating cancelling my Center Ice. I hope the organization finds a great GM who 1) can restore integrity to the organization, 2) build an organization from the ground up.

I am also ending my vendetta against Bowman, he is not worth it, an entitled hack who got to where he was because of his last name. I am also done speaking of Coach Q with reverence, he's as much of a scumbag as the rest of them. Truly sad.

And lastly, as I mentioned Penn State, their legendary coach Joe Paterno was mixed up in much the same way Bowman and Q were mixed up in this scandal. It was a black stain on the PSU program, but they rose from the ashes and are now back to being a prominent program again. So this too shall pass and the hawks will, one day, become a great team again. Hopefully this time without the slime.
- kwolf68

Well said
The NHL will see that Q & Chevy are fired or resign otherwise what does it say for Gary's future?

Question
What if McD says he told Rocky & it all was swept under the rug by ownership? What then?

A few thoughts:

I found it kind of strange that only Stan's name was mentioned, it is plain to see that McD also hand a large part in this.

This soon will pass (not saying that is a good thing). A while back there was a news story about Sexual misconduct within the CPS schools. Where is that story now? Have any members of CPS been fired/resigned? Has the media covered that as deeply as this story? Understandable to be angry at the Blackhawks organization for the handling of this, but you have to give them credit for allowing an investigation to happen and stand up to the media and admit that wrongdoing has happened. The CPS would never allow that to happen-Nothing to see here.

Will the team play better now that this is all out? I wonder if the "locker room thing" was the players not wanting to play for Stan knowing he would be the fall guy.

One has to wonder if Danny was named to the Exec team just for this reason, to be the "outsider" and to basically clean up the mess. Can't really be mad at him if he wasn't part of it. BTW not knowing much about him, I thought he handled it quite well, not trying to make excuses, but putting the blame on the organization. Rare in these times.

Well, after reading the report, I can say as a life long Hawks fan, especially being born and raised and still living on Long Island with Isles and Rags fans always giving me respect saying how the Hawks are a cool team, etc., I am beyond words on this one.

The Hawks MUST hire outside of the organization, and IMO Gorton would be an awesome fit in this case. The guy knows how to build teams and really should still be with the Rangers, as that was classic Dolan being a moron as always.

Meant to add that any hire to oversee a hopeful total overhaul of anything regarding the hockey side must be from outside the organIzation. It is paramount the decision maker that CONSTRUCTS the path the Hawks will choose for the next iteration of the franchise has not been inside the fishbowl of riddles that has paralyzed the organIzation since the last cup.
- Mr Ricochet

To be fair most of what has paralyzed this organization came from the success of the organization and from its loyalty. Had the organization taken the pragmatic approach in 2016 and moved all the core for draft picks and prospects and resetting the team’s salary cap I bet the team would look allot better and be closer to being a contender today. But can you imagine the screech from the fans? The same vitriol to management but for many different reasons. “The team can still win!” “The organization has no loyalty!” “Stan has no clue!” “I’m never buying tickets again!” “I’m never watching this team again!” Many of us wanted to see if they could win one more time, many of us wanted to see our heroes play their last games as Blackhawks. We can’t have it every way.

Now we have to endure a rebuild, and it’s going to take at least five or six years before the team can become a contender, regardless of who is the GM, longer if they can’t snag a star player. I’m hoping the hawks don’t get a lottery pick this year and Columbus choose the number one and next season the hawks manage to get a crack at one of three potential star players, especially Connor Bedard who looks very similar to McDavid.

I have some other targets that should face some consequences or at least questioning:

Q obviously should go. He knew about it, and in addition writes a positive performance review only mentioning that Aldrich should work independently, WTF is that.

Don't know the facts about Cheveldayoff but lets see if Bettman gets some answers.

Are the players going to fire Donald Fehr, and whoever else knew from the NHLPA ? Thought the association was formed to protect players.

Does Sharp, Versteeg, Burish and anyone else in the media (Sopel said everyone in the room knew) lose their job?

Is Bettman going to ban any Hawk player that year from getting an NHL job as a coach, manager, scout, etc.?

What did Mark Bernard know? He was Rockford general manager now and was in 2010.

Finally the 3 players still active (Toews, the Captain), Kane, Keith, are they going to face any disciplinary actions for looking the other way.

Rocky did the easy job, lets see what Bettman does, my guess nothing, with some made up excuse as to why, just like his Dept. of Player Safety.

The Hawks MUST hire outside of the organization, and IMO Gorton would be an awesome fit in this case. The guy knows how to build teams and really should still be with the Rangers, as that was classic Dolan being a moron as always.
- purepone

Agree 100%. I just dont know what the ownership group is expecting. If they want a mediocre team that might make the playoffs but will never be contenders Bowman was on the right track.

A few thoughts:

I found it kind of strange that only Stan's name was mentioned, it is plain to see that McD also hand a large part in this.

This soon will pass (not saying that is a good thing). A while back there was a news story about Sexual misconduct within the CPS schools. Where is that story now? Have any members of CPS been fired/resigned? Has the media covered that as deeply as this story? Understandable to be angry at the Blackhawks organization for the handling of this, but you have to give them credit for allowing an investigation to happen and stand up to the media and admit that wrongdoing has happened. The CPS would never allow that to happen-Nothing to see here.

Will the team play better now that this is all out? I wonder if the "locker room thing" was the players not wanting to play for Stan knowing he would be the fall guy.

One has to wonder if Danny was named to the Exec team just for this reason, to be the "outsider" and to basically clean up the mess. Can't really be mad at him if he wasn't part of it. BTW not knowing much about him, I thought he handled it quite well, not trying to make excuses, but putting the blame on the organization. Rare in these times.
- powerenforcer

They can also "retire" wife beater Bobby Hull as an ambassador also. It sickened me on opening night to see his drunken face (although wearing a mask) waving a flag with Tony's number on it during the ceremony.

To be fair most of what has paralyzed this organization came from the success of the organization and from its loyalty. Had the organization taken the pragmatic approach in 2016 and moved all the core for draft picks and prospects and resetting the team’s salary cap I bet the team would look allot better and be closer to being a contender today. But can you imagine the screech from the fans? The same vitriol to management but for many different reasons. “The team can still win!” “The organization has no loyalty!” “Stan has no clue!” “I’m never buying tickets again!” “I’m never watching this team again!” Many of us wanted to see if they could win one more time, many of us wanted to see our heroes play their last games as Blackhawks. We can’t have it every way.

Now we have to endure a rebuild, and it’s going to take at least five or six years before the team can become a contender, regardless of who is the GM, longer if they can’t snag a star player. I’m hoping the hawks don’t get a lottery pick this year and Columbus choose the number one and next season the hawks manage to get a crack at one of three potential star players, especially Connor Bedard who looks very similar to McDavid.
- paulr

When I say paralyzed I mean by the team's direction since the NSH sweep. They are all in, they are then rebuilding, they are back to all in and now StanBow says despite last offseason's moves they are still rebuilding.

To any OUTSIDER these are the ramblings, put into place in practice, by an empowered madman. Now was Stan told to do a, b and c? Who knows but the end result is a directionless franchise.

I think most would agree any plan, even one that fails, is better than a fickle constantly changing plan.

Hawks are not gonna win a cup in the next 2-3 yrs but the cupboard is not bare. Look at the CLB rebuild! In one day just moving a Jones they jump the line 2-3 yrs. It does not have to be a 5-6 yr slog.

Well we thought he was rebuilding, but then he switched gears mid stream, a completely clueless, rudderless direction. The Jones trade and contract will end up being Bowman's going away present. kwolf Quotes not working.

If this interim GM Davidson was instrumental in analytics, contract negotiations, and cap management, he needs to be gone ASAP as well. Jones' advanced stats were horrible (borne out by his on ice play so far this year) and he was promptly signed to an abomination of a contract without playing a second in a Blackhawks uniform...

I have some other targets that should face some consequences or at least questioning:

Q obviously should go. He knew about it, and in addition writes a positive performance review only mentioning that Aldrich should work independently, WTF is that.

Don't know the facts about Cheveldayoff but lets see if Bettman gets some answers.

Are the players going to fire Donald Fehr, and whoever else knew from the NHLPA ? Thought the association was formed to protect players.

Does Sharp, Versteeg, Burish and anyone else in the media (Sopel said everyone in the room knew) lose their job?

Is Bettman going to ban any Hawk player that year from getting an NHL job as a coach, manager, scout, etc.?

What did Mark Bernard know? He was Rockford general manager now and was in 2010.

Finally the 3 players still active (Toews, the Captain), Kane, Keith, are they going to face any disciplinary actions for looking the other way.

Rocky did the easy job, lets see what Bettman does, my guess nothing, with some made up excuse as to why, just like his Dept. of Player Safety.
- LAHawk

I read here yesterday that players are immune.

Fire sale anyone! Everyone not a rookie must go. Especially before their NMC kicks in.

This makes all the bad decisions made during this past off season, even worse. A new GM will want to remake the roster to his desires. Which brings up the question, will the next GM be allowed to do what he wants or will he be forced to bow to his masters? Which will be a turn off to the most desirable and available GM’s.

JC is basically done as well. So bye - bye.

I would also expect Q and Chevy to lose their positions as well. If not, that’s some heavy BS.

Seasons over. Let the new rebuild begin!


P.S. how’s that Covid vaccine working out?
- Diamondhands

You should try drinking some bleach.

I think the Hawks avoided a larger fine and potential loss of draft picks by conducting this investigation and taking action in an open forum. It’s a horrible situation, and clearly there were people who failed in their leadership, but Danny Wirtz has distinguished himself in seeking accountability. That gives me room for hope moving forward.

Pretty relieved so far that trolls from other teams haven't lit us up in addition to the suffering we are going through. I think as fellow hockey fans, everyone understands our pain.

It'll come up again no doubt once we have a competitive team and are playing for something that counts.

Pretty relieved so far that trolls from other teams haven't lit us up in addition to the suffering we are going through. I think as fellow hockey fans, everyone understands our pain.

It'll come up again no doubt once we have a competitive team and are playing for something that counts.
- Popsghostly

Oh, I think that’s coming… along with people trying to openly suggest who the John Doe was based upon the facts in the report. It’s going to be difficult reading.

Pretty relieved so far that trolls from other teams haven't lit us up in addition to the suffering we are going through. I think as fellow hockey fans, everyone understands our pain.

It'll come up again no doubt once we have a competitive team and are playing for something that counts.
- Popsghostly

There are only a couple of victims in this whole scandal and it isn't any of us fans...

Who is going to hire the new GM? The same people/person who extended Stan's contract along with a promotion to Prez of Hockey Ops making him the top hockey side mind in the organIzation who then extended Colliton this last offseason?

My hope is they somehow hire the right guy as Prez of Anything To Do With The Hockey Side (a John Davidson/Lou Lamoriello type) FIRST and let him hire the GM. If so they have started the process of building a hockey operations process properly.

Simple?
- Mr Ricochet

This is a plum job in a very large city and an extremely valuable Original 6 market to the NHL and TV. We aren't talking about the f'n Coyotes, Panthers, Blue Jackets or Predators here. This calamity is up there with major inflicted damage if suffered by the Rangers, Leafs, Bruins, Habs markets.

You can be sure NHL Head Office will have their say and Bettman will be involved in assisting Rocky to find best fit. Money will be no object in doing the necessary things to repair the brand.

John Davidson is exactly the right type of guy. He would be my first choice.

There are only a couple of victims in this whole scandal and it isn't any of us fans...
- Davewn

True, true, true.

Perhaps suffering wasn't the best word. Disappointment. Great disappointment and sadness for the victims. But heck we all love the organization or we wouldn't be here discussing it everyday. No one wants to see the team you love commit acts (or not take action) like in this case.

This is a plum job in a very large city and an extremely valuable Original 6 market to the NHL and TV. We aren't talking about the f'n Coyotes, Panthers, Blue Jackets or Predators here. This calamity is up there with major inflicted damage if suffered by the Rangers, Leafs, Bruins, Habs markets.

You can be sure NHL Head Office will have their say and Bettman will be involved in assisting Rocky to find best fit. Money will be no object in doing the necessary things to repair the brand.

John Davidson is exactly the right type of guy. He would be my first choice.
- RickJ

He would have instant credibility - and this situation certainly calls for it.