I've defended Bowman for years but now I can't watch mediocrity again and again...and mediocrity is being kind.

I was all for the rebuild...and content with watching young players develop over the next few years. That changed over the summer and I don't know why...especially when the fan base was told what was happening. However I was hopeful with the money they spent and figured with a weak WC the Hawks could surprise people.

Colliton cannot coach at this level. It is clear. The fact he was given an extension for being at best mediocre is wrong. If they talk about accountability then it's time to hold Stan accountable...and they are not nor have they in four years. Shaming people for having enough is ridiculous. The Hawks last won a cup in 2015...Since then they haven't made it past the 1st round. Even Theo Epstein knew it was time to walk away...and it's time for Bowman to do the same.
- NamedSources

I agree about Bowman, I think his days as GM are done or should be.

As for Colliton I still have no idea if he can coach? Last season he had no one and the team played OK. This year the players look like they have no interest in being on the ice. But that is on the coach. I think he probably should go too.

But I still watch the team hoping the team will win each game regardless who the GM, coach or players are.

Not you, but Bob did
- paulr

Saying that..."Well who is gong to replace Stan" or implying there is no one out there that can do better than mediocrity is one of the worst arguments to make when spinning your wheels and not improving.

Even if it is worse...and that's a big IF...you have to make the move.
- NamedSources

Yea that is such a lame, tired argument.

I can imagine the accountant who screws up almost everyone's taxes, incurs heavy penalties for incompetence and the owner of the accounting firm goes, "well who else can we get? guess we'll stick with this slug."

I've defended Bowman for years but now I can't watch mediocrity again and again...and mediocrity is being kind.

I was all for the rebuild...and content with watching young players develop over the next few years. That changed over the summer and I don't know why...especially when the fan base was told what was happening. However I was hopeful with the money they spent and figured with a weak WC the Hawks could surprise people.

Colliton cannot coach at this level. It is clear. The fact he was given an extension for being at best mediocre is wrong. If they talk about accountability then it's time to hold Stan accountable...and they are not nor have they in four years. Shaming people for having enough is ridiculous. The Hawks last won a cup in 2015...Since then they haven't made it past the 1st round. Even Theo Epstein knew it was time to walk away...and it's time for Bowman to do the same.
- NamedSources

I agree something changed. Do you think that was Stan's call?

And poking fun at the rationale for a position is not shaming them for the position. You were really good at it for years.

- NamedSources

Hey NamedSources, a little ode to ya.

I agree about Bowman, I think his days as GM are done or should be.

As for Colliton I still have no idea if he can coach? Last season he had no one and the team played OK. This year the players look like they have no interest in being on the ice. But that is on the coach. I think he probably should go too.

But I still watch the team hoping the team will win each game regardless who the GM, coach or players are.
- paulr

Last year they had a few spurts of consistency but last year is a bit skewed because they basically played the same teams over and over again and their record against the top teams wasn't good. Plus didm't they fall apart at the end?

They were a combined 7-19 against Carolina, TB, FL, & Nashville. They had one month over .500

The only reason they made the playoffs the year before was because of an expanded format...otherwise it's 2 playoff appearances since 2015...2 first round exits.

Is the argument really...."Well who out there can do a better job?" I think it's time to find out.

Last year they had a few spurts of consistency but last year is a bit skewed because they basically played the same teams over and over again and their record against the top teams wasn't good. Plus didm't they fall apart at the end?

They were a combined 7-19 against Carolina, TB, FL, & Nashville. They had one month over .500

The only reason they made the playoffs the year before was because of an expanded format...otherwise it's 2 playoff appearances since 2015...2 first round exits.

Is the argument really...."Well who out there can do a better job?" I think it's time to find out.
- NamedSources

There’s lots of angst to change coaches. Most just say Colliton sucks or words to that effect but no one has really explained what makes him suck. Personally I think his problem is not making players accountable. Then there have been few reasonable replacement. Torts? Hitch? Babcock?

Why do you think Colliton sucks?

And

Who do you think would be a good replacement?

I agree something changed. Do you think that was Stan's call?

And poking fun at the rationale for a position is not shaming them for the position. You were really good at it for years.
- mohel

I don't know...but whether it's his call or not it's a legitimate question to ask if he made the right moves to adhere to what his bosses wanted.

...as of right now he didn't.

And if they don't make the playoffs this year it will mean they've had two playoff appearances which were both 1st round exits in 7 years.

Further more only 4 draft picks over the past 6 years are currently on the roster...soon to be 3

What other GM in the league...or in any major sports league gets away with 7 years of mediocrity...or 2 playoff appearances in 7 years....which were both 1st round exits. The answer is NO ONE!

There’s lots of angst to change coaches. Most just say Colliton sucks or words to that effect but no one has really explained what makes him suck. Personally I think his problem is not making players accountable. Then there have been few reasonable replacement. Torts? Hitch? Babcock?

Why do you think Colliton sucks?

And

Who do you think would be a good replacement?
- paulr

I don't think he is good at making in game adjustments, I think he is all about the scheme rather than creating a system that suits the players on the roster, Two years ago the front office had to mandate he change it up. I don't want to speculate on his relationship with the players because we just don't know....also, his system never gets any sustained pressure in the offensive zone. It feels like it's one and done which puts a lot of pressure on the D. He never coaches to what he sees on the ice. I have yet to see him do anything in game...from period to period...that suggests otherwise.

I agree something changed. Do you think that was Stan's call?

And poking fun at the rationale for a position is not shaming them for the position. You were really good at it for years.
- mohel

And I still enjoy doing it. I was just asking if I actually said something.

I don't know...but whether it's his call or not it's a legitimate question to ask if he made the right moves to adhere to what his bosses wanted.

...as of right now he didn't.

And if they don't make the playoffs this year it will mean they've had two playoff appearances which were both 1st round exits in 7 years.

Further more only 4 draft picks over the past 6 years are currently on the roster...soon to be 3

What other GM in the league...or in any major sports league gets away with 7 years of mediocrity...or 2 playoff appearances in 7 years....which were both 1st round exits. The answer is NO ONE!
- NamedSources

Six games seems a small sample size on that to me.

2nd bolded....Dale Tallon in FL. There are no GM's in sports who keep there jobs only going to the playoffs twice in seven years? Really?

I said earlier I'm okay if Stan goes. But I'm not confident the next person will be any better.

I don't know...but whether it's his call or not it's a legitimate question to ask if he made the right moves to adhere to what his bosses wanted.

...as of right now he didn't.

And if they don't make the playoffs this year it will mean they've had two playoff appearances which were both 1st round exits in 7 years.

Further more only 4 draft picks over the past 6 years are currently on the roster...soon to be 3

What other GM in the league...or in any major sports league gets away with 7 years of mediocrity...or 2 playoff appearances in 7 years....which were both 1st round exits. The answer is NO ONE!
- NamedSources

There is A LOT of debate on what true role Bowman had on the Cup teams. He certainly made a couple decent moves, but the franchise was pretty much built for him. SO debates will go on forever.

What can NOT be debated is the current state of affairs, 7 years since last Cup run and the team appears to have no true direction on focus and now looks like the worst team in the NHL.

We can debate pre 2015 to death and back, but given there are literally TWO players remaining from those teams, there is no debate about the current on ice product. It's totally Bowman's team. I know his friends and family will say he was the reason for those Cups while peddling nonsensical excuses for the present dumpster fire, but no one seriously should listen to that crap as it's the musing of apologists who have some weird loyalty to the MBA baby who was gifted a team ro "run" because his daddy was Scotty.

Last year they had a few spurts of consistency but last year is a bit skewed because they basically played the same teams over and over again and their record against the top teams wasn't good. Plus didm't they fall apart at the end?

They were a combined 7-19 against Carolina, TB, FL, & Nashville. They had one month over .500

The only reason they made the playoffs the year before was because of an expanded format...otherwise it's 2 playoff appearances since 2015...2 first round exits.

Is the argument really...."Well who out there can do a better job?" I think it's time to find out.
- NamedSources

Any org worth their salt has a succession plan in place for all the top execs. I'd imagine they already have the answer to that question. Not all are necessarily available at this time, but I'd be surprised if they haven't already got a top 3 list.

There is A LOT of debate on what true role Bowman had on the Cup teams. He certainly made a couple decent moves, but the franchise was pretty much built for him. SO debates will go on forever.

What can NOT be debated is the current state of affairs, 7 years since last Cup run and the team appears to have no true direction on focus and now looks like the worst team in the NHL.

We can debate pre 2015 to death and back, but given there are literally TWO players remaining from those teams, there is no debate about the current on ice product. It's totally Bowman's team. I know his friends and family will say he was the reason for those Cups while peddling nonsensical excuses for the present dumpster fire, but no one seriously should listen to that crap as it's the musing of apologists who have some weird loyalty to the MBA baby who was gifted a team ro "run" because his daddy was Scotty.
- kwolf68

NO. It cannot be debated on whether or not Bowman had an impact on the cup dynasty. He did...it's not up for debate. He made more than a "couple of moves". He turned that franchise around after it was decimated in 2010...for not just one but two more cups...and should've been a third. You can't crap on him for the current situation and not give him due credit for what he did for 2013-2015 teams. If you did that you'd be talking out both sides of your mouth.

NO. It cannot be debated on whether or not Bowman had an impact on the cup dynasty. He did...it's not up for debate. He made more than a "couple of moves". He turned that franchise around after it was decimated in 2010...for not just one but two more cups...and should've been a third. You can't crap on him for the current situation and not give him due credit for what he did for 2013-2015 teams. If you did that you'd be talking out both sides of your mouth.
- NamedSources

Yes.

I don't know...but whether it's his call or not it's a legitimate question to ask if he made the right moves to adhere to what his bosses wanted.

...as of right now he didn't.

And if they don't make the playoffs this year it will mean they've had two playoff appearances which were both 1st round exits in 7 years.

Further more only 4 draft picks over the past 6 years are currently on the roster...soon to be 3

What other GM in the league...or in any major sports league gets away with 7 years of mediocrity...or 2 playoff appearances in 7 years....which were both 1st round exits. The answer is NO ONE!
- NamedSources

The history of the last few years (yes, hindsight is 20/20) as outlined in The Athletic today does not paint a positive picture. Yes, player choices can be hit or miss, but it's the ongoing absence of setting the strategy and holding to it that weakens my confidence in Stan continuing in his role. Hard to build a team on a positive trajectory if you keep changing your mind on what you want it to be every summer.

Mohel's right to ask who made the decision to change tact over the summer. If McD was still here, the answer might be a no brainer. Today, Stan should be setting that course himself.

The Blackhawks 2022 #1 round selection is protected if they finish with the first or second worse record. But their order of finish is in jeopardy due to the lottery system. If read correctly it is their selection rank after the lottery.

The history of the last few years (yes, hindsight is 20/20) as outlined in The Athletic today does not paint a positive picture. Yes, player choices can be hit or miss, but it's the ongoing absence of setting the strategy and holding to it that weakens my confidence in Stan continuing in his role. Hard to build a team on a positive trajectory if you keep changing your mind on what you want it to be every summer.

Mohel's right to ask who made the decision to change tact over the summer. If McD was still here, the answer might be a no brainer. Today, Stan should be setting that course himself.
- pdx2ord

I would like to very politely suggest that perhaps whether to go through a rebuild, or to abandon a rebuild, is an ownership decision.

I would like to very politely suggest that perhaps whether to go through a rebuild, or to abandon a rebuild, is an ownership decision.
- mohel

Might be. Guess it depends on how they agree to run the business.

Right now, if that is the case, Stan is taking all the heat for the seeming inability to stick to the plan.

Be so much easier for us if the owners would just send out a letter like the nice NY Rangers did every time they decide on a new strategy.

Trade kane and toews for picks.. theyre done

Might be. Guess it depends on how they agree to run the business.

Right now, if that is the case, Stan is taking all the heat for the seeming inability to stick to the plan.
- pdx2ord

I'm not trying to suggest your opinion is less than important or wrong, but if I could, I'd like to say something to support my previous statement....

The Wirtz family, to my knowledge, keep a close eye on their money. So I believe Stan would not have the authority to decide on his own to start a gut rehab, or to abandon one midstream. There is too much money at stake. In my opinion.

There’s lots of angst to change coaches. Most just say Colliton sucks or words to that effect but no one has really explained what makes him suck. Personally I think his problem is not making players accountable. Then there have been few reasonable replacement. Torts? Hitch? Babcock?

Why do you think Colliton sucks?

And

Who do you think would be a good replacement?
- paulr

I waych the performance on the ice. Nuff said

Six games seems a small sample size on that to me.

2nd bolded....Dale Tallon in FL. There are no GM's in sports who keep there jobs only going to the playoffs twice in seven years? Really?

I said earlier I'm okay if Stan goes. But I'm not confident the next person will be any better.
- mohel

How many games did Savard get? How about Q his last year? It's not just six games this year...it's the last year, the year before that, and the year before that...like I said he has done nothing to warrant the benefit of the doubt.

Not many GM's keep their jobs with two playoff appearances in any major sports...albeit two first round exits...and if they do then they're certainly not a franchise that is serious about winning.

Again, not being confident someone could do better is not a good enough reason to remain status quo. You're basically saying...I know we are 0-5-1 but we could be 0-6 if a new guy came in. The fact is the team has been mired in mediocrity for almost seven years. If they kept the full youth movement rebuild like they said prior to last season I would feel different...but they set the expectations this off season...and right now they are nowhere close...and sun doesn't seem to be coming up anytime soon.

I'm not trying to suggest your opinion is less than important or wrong, but if I could, I'd like to say something to support my previous statement....

The Wirtz family, to my knowledge, keep a close eye on their money. So I believe Stan would not have the authority to decide on his own to start a gut rehab, or to abandon one midstream. There is too much money at stake. In my opinion.
- mohel

No need to couch everything - we misunderstood each other, talked it out, and it's over


Makes sense they would have more hands-on control then (although I'd maybe wrongly assumed that was McD's meddling). Since the money is fixed with the cap, regardless of strategy, wonder then how much leeway Stan has on how it's spent once the strategy is defined.

And as I added to the comment to which you replied:

Be so much easier for us if the owners would just send out a letter like the nice NY Rangers did every time they decide on a new strategy.

The history of the last few years (yes, hindsight is 20/20) as outlined in The Athletic today does not paint a positive picture. Yes, player choices can be hit or miss, but it's the ongoing absence of setting the strategy and holding to it that weakens my confidence in Stan continuing in his role. Hard to build a team on a positive trajectory if you keep changing your mind on what you want it to be every summer.

Mohel's right to ask who made the decision to change tact over the summer. If McD was still here, the answer might be a no brainer. Today, Stan should be setting that course himself.
- pdx2ord

I have no doubt it was ownerships decision to change course however that doesn't mean Bowman should be off the hook for the moves he made as a result. They are sixth in payroll and are playing like an expansion team...he gave Colliton an extension...because why? These moves and spending bad money are on him.