Tyler Cameron: What's up with the search for the new CEO/President? ohn 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.

Here are a couple of scenarios that could play out in the coming months:

I am interested in the scenarios of the condition of the ice they skate on In steamy humid summertime . Can or will the NHL use technology and additional funding to make the ice descent?

The business side may be humming along, but the next two or three seasons are going to be a business challenge. I’m guessing fans won’t be watching in buildings through next season (whenever that is), and the market will be softer after that until people get more comfortable being jammed in a confined space, 20,000 strong again. These upcoming TV contract negotiations need to result in big wins for the league.

If Bowman moves into hockey ops leader, and brings in a young up and coming GM in, that would mean a lot of inexperience in that chain of command, going from Colliton on up.

Great blog Tyler. I wonder about Pierre Gauthier, Director of Player Personnel and exactly what role he has had in some of the player personnel decisions? I recall reading comments from Habs fans how glad they were when he was fired and then Stan hired him. They warned us that he had a very poor track record with player personnel decisions when he was GM for Montreal. Thoughts?

Aunt Jemima is gone - Uncle Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth, the images on Cream of Eheat being looked at by corporates....

Within a couple of years, I’m seeing a sports world without Redskins, Indians...and Blackhawks.

We may not like it, but it’s not the same world as it was.

Perhaps we all should have paid more attention to what Colin Kapetnick was trying to say.

Aunt Jemima is gone - Uncle Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth, the images on Cream of Eheat being looked at by corporates....

Within a couple of years, I’m seeing a sports world without Redskins, Indians...and Blackhawks.

We may not like it, but it’s not the same world as it was.

Perhaps we all should have paid more attention to what Colin Kapetnick was trying to say.
- StLBravesFan

Most likely. Will the Hawks lose just their logo or their logo and name?

After reading the Lazerus article in 'The Athletic' yesterday, I'm all in on Kevin Weekes.

Aunt Jemima is gone - Uncle Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth, the images on Cream of Eheat being looked at by corporates....

Within a couple of years, I’m seeing a sports world without Redskins, Indians...and Blackhawks.

We may not like it, but it’s not the same world as it was.

Perhaps we all should have paid more attention to what Colin Kapetnick was trying to say.
- StLBravesFan

They can still be the Black Hawks, with a bird crest on the sweater.

After reading the Lazerus article in 'The Athletic' yesterday, I'm all in on Kevin Weekes.
- scottak

Not sure I’m all in but I agree he sounds like he’d be a good candidate for the position. Great article and as was alluded to by Tyler, I think it would be good to get someone in who hasn’t necessarily had such close current ties like Eddie O.

Not sure I’m all in but I agree he sounds like he’d be a good candidate for the position. Great article and as was alluded to by Tyler, I think it would be good to get someone in who hasn’t necessarily had such close current ties like Eddie O.
- HawkintheD

I agree with this. I don't have a specific preference on who takes over for McMeddler, but my preference would be to have some fresh perspective at that level in the organization.

Aunt Jemima is gone - Uncle Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth, the images on Cream of Eheat being looked at by corporates....

Within a couple of years, I’m seeing a sports world without Redskins, Indians...and Blackhawks.

We may not like it, but it’s not the same world as it was.

Perhaps we all should have paid more attention to what Colin Kapetnick was trying to say.
- StLBravesFan

Blackhawks might be okay. Probably have to change the logo.

Redskins, Indians and Eskimos probably not so much.

I would vote for either one of the Hunter Brothers as director of hockey op's.

Most likely. Will the Hawks lose just their logo or their logo and name?
- DarthKane

I expect the logo will be gone for sure. A logo of a “Hawk” with the same colour scheme has been bandied about, I expect something like that. Or use the name and change the logo to the Blackhawk helicopter or the military group the 86th infantry division. Or perhaps engage the native community to see if they are in agreement to continue the Hawks using the Iconic logo with the argument being the logo is used respectively and honourably even if it depicts natives as mascots?

I would vote for either one of the Hunter Brothers as director of hockey op's.
- LAHawk

I’d like to see this but after what happened in Toronto I expect the Hunters are looking at the GM position. If one of the Hunters is hired as president I’m sure he can than hire whoever he likes as GM?

The business side may be humming along, but the next two or three seasons are going to be a business challenge. I’m guessing fans won’t be watching in buildings through next season (whenever that is), and the market will be softer after that until people get more comfortable being jammed in a confined space, 20,000 strong again. These upcoming TV contract negotiations need to result in big wins for the league.

If Bowman moves into hockey ops leader, and brings in a young up and coming GM in, that would mean a lot of inexperience in that chain of command, going from Colliton on up.
- StLBravesFan

Great point on the business side. I like Hassen in that role because he saw what it was like prior to the Blackhawks Stanley Cup success, plus as much as McDonough was a tyrant, Hassen would have picked up some tricks from him along the years.

RE: Bowman and an inexperienced GM, that is a good point; the Leafs are trying this out with Dubas and Keefe, we'll see how that works out. Also, there could be a scenario that the new GM fires Colliton and replaces him with Marc Crawford or a more veteran voice.

Great blog Tyler. I wonder about Pierre Gauthier, Director of Player Personnel and exactly what role he has had in some of the player personnel decisions? I recall reading comments from Habs fans how glad they were when he was fired and then Stan hired him. They warned us that he had a very poor track record with player personnel decisions when he was GM for Montreal. Thoughts?
- FourOrr

I don't wonder about Gauthier, I have heard specific things about how he is not very strong.

I'm really not sure what he does either, but I could see guys like that being switched out for more progressive hockey minds and/or people with a fresher look on things.

I would vote for either one of the Hunter Brothers as director of hockey op's.
- LAHawk

Mark Hunter is someone I really like as well. I think he's best in his evaluation of younger talent, so I can see him in a GM or a hockey ops role if he wanted to get back into the NHL.

Great point on the business side. I like Hassen in that role because he saw what it was like prior to the Blackhawks Stanley Cup success, plus as much as McDonough was a tyrant, Hassen would have picked up some tricks from him along the years.

RE: Bowman and an inexperienced GM, that is a good point; the Leafs are trying this out with Dubas and Keefe, we'll see how that works out. Also, there could be a scenario that the new GM fires Colliton and replaces him with Marc Crawford or a more veteran voice.
- Tyler Cameron

We can do better than Crawford please.

Some tidbits from a Kevin Lankinen interview from Finland:

-He has been practicing fully for multiple months already and is ready to go.
-He is happy to be signed for two more years and can take the next step in Chicago.
-He has had some conversations with the Hawks brass about returning.
-He feels he is ready to play and be successful in the NHL.
-When asked when he will be Hawks number one goalie, he replied: 2020. I assume that is his goal and not arrogance.

Go Scott1977 for inspiring a new blog!!! Attaboy!

TC - are you TRYING to make people blow a gasket? Let me get this straight, you are proposing the possibility of Stan not only staying but being promoted, bringing in a rookie GM (Sullivan) and possibly keeping Colliton on hand? People here lose their crap with Colliton alone. Just wait until the GM trades Strome for a perceived lower value.

Just kidding. I know this is all just theoretical, but that scenario stuck out as particularly ripe.



Cheers and thanks for the new blog.

We can do better than Crawford please.
- rpeters01

Bring back Torch!

In all seriousness, what are your thoughts on Kirk Muller?

I’d like to see this but after what happened in Toronto I expect the Hunters are looking at the GM position. If one of the Hunters is hired as president I’m sure he can than hire whoever he likes as GM?
- paulr

I look at one of the Hunter's having the Shanahan role, CEO of hockey ops, with the ability to hire and fire whoever he wants, reporting to Danny Wirtz.

Bring back Torch!

In all seriousness, what are your thoughts on Kirk Muller?
- Chunk

Bring back Trent Yawney

Aunt Jemima is gone - Uncle Ben’s, Mrs. Butterworth, the images on Cream of Eheat being looked at by corporates....

Within a couple of years, I’m seeing a sports world without Redskins, Indians...and Blackhawks.

We may not like it, but it’s not the same world as it was.

Perhaps we all should have paid more attention to what Colin Kapetnick was trying to say.
- StLBravesFan

Who will be brave enough to ask the ultimate question here? (If you are talking about removing all symbols of slavery from the history of this country).

How about the ex Sabre GM Botterill for a spot in the Hawks front office? He must be a good GM considering how he fleeced the Hawks last year with the Nylander-Joki trade.

(RED FONT)