OK, taking a deep cleansing breath. Relax. Refocus to the proper perspective.

Well, Stan Bowman did about what most of us thought he would this trade deadline: next to nothing.

I like Johnny Oduya as a player. He's a defensive defenseman who uses above average skating to play a smart positional game. And he will help the Hawks kill penalties. He will provide solid minutes and minimize the pressure placed on Nick Leddy especially.

And I actually think getting a 5th round pick for John Scott is a bit of a steal. Let's all bear in mind, Andrew Shaw was a 5th round pick this past summer.

But the Hawks are a team full of holes, and reeling from a series of injuries and humiliating losses. And you really get the feeling Oduya is way too little, too late to save this team this year.

There was an interesting blog by my friend Greg Stewart over on the300level today. It echoes what I've said here: the Blackhawks as an organization are both in disarray and perhaps working at cross purposes. Greg's information today is the same as I'd heard and related here a few weeks ago—Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough had sent down an edict prohibiting Bowman from adding significant salary this year or past July 1.

Greg goes on to say that there could be some friction between the coaching staff and Bowman about the use of players and the players provided, respectively. I have not heard this specifically, but I have heard that failing to make the playoffs will result in certain individuals losing their jobs. And I think we can guess who that will be.

In some ways, I believe the Hawks needed a big trade deadline in order to just re-energize a team that presently has replaced the Blue Jackets as the Sad Sacks of the NHL.

But that didn't happen. Instead, if rumors are to be believed, we have a team brass paralyzed by austerity and perhaps finger-pointing. And don't think players aren't aware of it, if that's the case.

As I write this, Stan Bowman is doing the dance at his press conference. And let me be clear: I'm not sure if he's entirely to blame. If what I've heard and Greg heard is true, then his hands were somewhat tied as far as making deals, in a market where few teams were inclined to deal and prices were high.

Ultimately, the man I blame is the one Bowman reports to: McDonough.

You see, I don't believe Bowman has as much autonomy as his peers in the GM world. In fact, I believe that is the critical factor that caused McDonough to essentially fire Dale Tallon. McDonough, in my opinion, does not want a strong, independent GM, but rather a cautious, more corporate GM. And that dynamic—not Bowman being some kind of bozo— is the real problem here.

And that is the dynamic that needs to change.

Now, if there is an ongoing rift between Quenneville and the players— as Greg described— and I've heard whispers about, then that needs to be addressed. A rift of expectation between Bowman and the coaches? That needs to be addressed. A rift between Bowman and the scouts who are supposed to be helping him make decisions? Ditto.

Right now, at the presser, Bowman is saying what GMs often say on days like this: "I like our team. Once we get healthy, we'll be fine."

I'm not convinced. I think this team is still as squeezably soft as it's been all year (and no, I don't think the subtraction of Scott really matters there). Oduya will help on the back end. Maybe losing Scott will create a roster spot and a role for Rockford Enforcer Brandon Bollig— who I believe will be a big Hawk fan favorite.

Maybe. Maybe, this team can make some noise come playoff time.

I'm not holding my breath.

Ugh.


JJ

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