Statement from the Blackhawks:

We recently said goodbye to a pair of popular, two-time champions and acquired some new players via trade and free agency. We understand it was tough to see those respected veterans go and realize you may have some questions about our direction. We'd like to address that direction and share why we're hopeful for the future of Blackhawks hockey.

We're committed to developing young players and rebuilding our roster. We want more than another window to win; we want to reach the summit again, and stay there -- an effort that will require a stockpile of emerging talent to complement our top players. The influx of youth and their progression will provide roster flexibility and depth throughout our lineup.

We were already the youngest team in the 2020 playoffs and several Blackhawks experienced that intensity for the first time; this will help to further establish a culture that embraces the grind of improvement driven by competitors who are relentless, engaged and motivated by a team-first mentality to win.

As our young players develop and learn how to win consistently, they'll make some mistakes. Inevitably, we'll miss the mark sometimes, too, but we'll communicate openly with you on this journey together.

We know that what comes next must be more than just words, and that inspires us.

- The Chicago Blackhawks

https://www.nhl.com/black...ackhawks-fans/c-319482696
- Q-stache

I am all on board, full steam forward. I embrace this philosophy and I thoroughly enjoy watching the progress of many young players arrive, improve, and hopefully become key pieces in the new Blackhawks shape.

I really have stressed that the team needs to add at least one top six forward whom willingly and effectively plays a boards game - good in cycling the puck. This player does not also need to be a big time scorer, but talented enough to play on a top line.

The playoff teams play tough hockey whete most or all lines willingly can play a boards pr cycling the puck style. We are way overmatched in this aspect. I see a #1 2021 as our biggest chip

Perhaps that is where a power forward comes from. In previous years Bowman was able to employ later round draft choices like Shaw, Brower and Sharp was invaluable in that he could step up and handle the dirty work. We may be just fine on botyom teo lines as far as toughness and playing along the boards goes. Just sometime somewhere somehow we need more toughness and boards performance player(s) on the top line.

Yes, official statement to affirm a rebuild with a youth movement. As many have argued before, this decision should have been made a while ago.

Either way, I'm happy they are going with this plan and this statement holds them to sticking to it rather than sitting on the fence or striving for two things.
- Theo Fox

Curious to see what happens next. It's going to be a very tough market to try and move some of these vets, even the ones who are still full value for the big contracts they have.

Oh. I mean yeah that too.
- BINGO!

Any interest from the Canes for Toews, Kane or Keith? We'll throw in Seabrook.

I enjoy a good conspiracy theory as much as the next person but, what possible function would Doc Emerick have in any hockey organIzation?

- Rota's Rooter

It was tongue-in-cheek, folks! Should have used the red font.

The statement itself is pretty bland. However, I imagine the fireworks will commence now with different roster decisions.

Will Strome be re-signed and retained or re-signed then traded?

If he's traded, the Hawks need to fill his spot with a new center, preferably one who can play 3C, i.e. defensively sound and solid skater.

Are any of the remaining core going to remain loyal to help in this rebuild or waive their NMCs to go play elsewhere?

How much longer will Murphy and de Haan be on the team as they could be moved for futures.

All that amongst other things.
- Theo Fox

Agreed. Here I am waiting for some sort of earth-shattering re-org and we get this.

It could be a sort of soft warning to fans that some familiar faces may not be on the Hawks much longer.

It was tongue-in-cheek, folks! Should have used the red font.
- pdx2ord

Yea well, with this bunch you can never know.

Agreed. Here I am waiting for some sort of earth-shattering re-org and we get this.

It could be a sort of soft warning to fans that some familiar faces may not be on the Hawks much longer.
- Rota's Rooter

The replies to the tweet announcement are brutal. Not sure they care or are monitoring, but yikes. I suspect a fear or anticipation of your last statement is behind much of it.

Going to be very interesting to see Stan address the perceived disconnect between this statement and his recent moves (getting vets rather than picks, etc.) on the podcasts. I'm assuming at least one person will have the guts to really challenge him.

As I just mentioned to Tyler on Twitter, my bet is still on Danny employing the new leader technique of making Stan the face of an unpopular new direction / set of moves, up to and including possibly shipping off one more of the remaining core, before canning him, too.

ETA: Unless, of course, it actually works!

Kinda reminds me of when Geraldo kept everyone spellbound as he broke into Capone's vault.

Kinda reminds me of when Geraldo kept everyone spellbound as he broke into Capone's vault.
- EbonyRaptor

Any interest from the Canes for Toews, Kane or Keith? We'll throw in Seabrook.
- mohel

Not enough cap room for any of them, honestly. Not unless you're taking back Gardiner or Staal. Maybe both.

Rebuild started officially when McDonough was launched, no matter what the fate of the letter to the fans is.
- LAHawk

Would guess that McD was opposed to this direction, which would be the primary reason he was let go.

Would guess that McD was opposed to this direction, which would be the primary reason he was let go.
- scottak

Not sure I'd want Bowman in charge of a full rebuild either, to be perfectly honest.

Kinda reminds me of when Geraldo kept everyone spellbound as he broke into Capone's vault.
- EbonyRaptor

I wasted an entire evening watching that meathead that night.

Blackhawks Talk Podcast interview with StanBo

https://podcasts.apple.co...wtm9Z95UsqmMQ6T7cZgHul-_g

or, if you're not an Apple person: https://www.nbcsports.com...-interview-gm-stan-bowman

Just saw that he mentions extending Colliton before the season starts...that should whet your appetites

Blackhawks Talk Podcast interview with StanBo

https://podcasts.apple.co...wtm9Z95UsqmMQ6T7cZgHul-_g

Just saw that he mentions extending Colliton before the season starts...that should whet your appetites
- pdx2ord

Meh, no need to a good coach at this point. Better to get a high pick - don't want a goalie or a coach getting false positive results.

We waited for that statement? That shouldn't be news to anyone at all. It was full of blah words & sentiment. Is any of the core staying? Actually, I'm even more worried about the direction & who's running it. Bowman did fine as a gm, but for the direction we need, he's got to go.

We waited for that statement? That shouldn't be news to anyone at all. It was full of blah words & sentiment. Is any of the core staying? Actually, I'm even more worried about the direction & who's running it. Bowman did fine as a gm, but for the direction we need, he's got to go.
- I Am The Breadman

Simmer down, whippersnapper. Sheesh, these impatient Utes.....

We waited for that statement? That shouldn't be news to anyone at all. It was full of blah words & sentiment. Is any of the core staying? Actually, I'm even more worried about the direction & who's running it. Bowman did fine as a gm, but for the direction we need, he's got to go.
- I Am The Breadman

He talks to the vets question in the podcast (I'm still listening, but apparently, he spoke with them and they are not yet asking out).

hmmm, maybe Toews tuned out Bowman like he appeared to tune out JC during the season.

Bowman himself was caught off guard by Toews' comments. The GM said he talked to his captain about the team's approach throughout the season, as well as in Toews' exit meeting.

"I think what's assumed in that comment is a little bit of misunderstanding because I have talked to Jonathan since then; I've talked to all the veterans," Bowman said. "I've tried to explain that the direction of the team -- we're on the same path that we were on last year. There's really no change in direction. We're being more honest about it. And if anything, we're going to double down on investing even more in our young players. The direction is not something that is a sea change for us.

Meh, no need to a good coach at this point. Better to get a high pick - don't want a goalie or a coach getting false positive results.
- mohel

This is A to B to C.

They may be thinking that Colliton is the developer - the coach to initiate the young talent into the Show and develop them into pro hockey players.

Then comes Tony LaRussa to take them to the promised land.

I’m betting that Colliton is not around for the Cup run.

Simmer down, whippersnapper. Sheesh, these impatient Utes.....
- mohel

This is A to B to C.

They may be thinking that Colliton is the developer - the coach to initiate the young talent into the Show and develop them into pro hockey players.

Then comes Tony LaRussa to take them to the promised land.

I’m betting that Colliton is not around for the Cup run.
- StLBravesFan

I just hope we are.

He talks to the vets question in the podcast (I'm still listening, but apparently, he spoke with them and they are not yet asking out).
- pdx2ord

Okay, thank you. Then, I would not call it a rebuild. But that might just be me.

This is A to B to C.

They may be thinking that Colliton is the developer - the coach to initiate the young talent into the Show and develop them into pro hockey players.

Then comes Tony LaRussa to take them to the promised land.

I’m betting that Colliton is not around for the Cup run.
- StLBravesFan

Well, for everyone saying that he should be coaching in the AHL... he sure as heck will be coaching mostly AHL players.

The replies to the tweet announcement are brutal. Not sure they care or are monitoring, but yikes. I suspect a fear or anticipation of your last statement is behind much of it.

Going to be very interesting to see Stan address the perceived disconnect between this statement and his recent moves (getting vets rather than picks, etc.) on the podcasts. I'm assuming at least one person will have the guts to really challenge him.

As I just mentioned to Tyler on Twitter, my bet is still on Danny employing the new leader technique of making Stan the face of an unpopular new direction / set of moves, up to and including possibly shipping off one more of the remaining core, before canning him, too.

ETA: Unless, of course, it actually works!
- pdx2ord

How a rebuild works which is likely to include much of your prediction. If Stan drafts well the owner down to the fans can see new blood and clutch onto that hope. But WE MUST HAVE MORE SANDPAPER, MORE FORWARDS (AND ON TOP LINES) WILLING TO CYCLE AND BANG ALONG BOARDS.

Actually I like the possibility that our deep skillset on defense can press/lead the attack. Mobile puckmovers, mail carriers each defense pair can be a real advantage. As long as they don't get each concussed due to team wide lack of grit and toughness.