NEWSLETTER
After last season, the Chicago Blackhawks made a commitment to be more transparent as an organization both with fans and the media. And so far, the club has lived up to their word.
For example, on Wednesday, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Stan Bowman appeared as a special guest on the Blackhawks Insider Podcast. Fans were even able to join in on the special taping via Zoom — a move, which, in years past, would’ve seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity.
President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Stan Bowman is joining a live taping of the #Blackhawks Insider podcast this afternoon and you can join!
Register for the midseason check-in Zoom call here: https://t.co/QcUhb74jpJ pic.twitter.com/HYUMceaKve
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) March 17, 2021
On the live call, Bowman touched on a number of topics, from the coming trade deadline, to the status of the teams rebuilding process, to the status of Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews and more. So let’s get into all of it.
The Trade Deadline
“I would say we’re trying to add players that we think can be part of our future,” Bowman said on the podcast taping about the team’s agenda heading into the trade deadline on April 12th. “I don’t think we’re going to be looking for rental players who will be here a couple of months and having to give up some top, young assets to do it.” Bowman added.
The Blackhawks currently have about $23M in cap space, mainly due to having Brent Seabrook, Jonathan Toews, Zack Smith, and Andrew Shaw on LTIR for the foreseeable future. Bowman said that the team would open to taking on contracts this year, in addition to adding draft capital in the process, “if that situation presents itself.”
Stan Bowman says they’re willing to take on contracts with their LTIR space. He said they’re not looking for rentals, but could look at pieces that fit their long-term plans. He said trade talks have picked up lately.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) March 17, 2021
When asked about the Blackhawks trade deadline preferences, Bowman was cryptic, but also pretty logical (especially considering the quicker-than-expected pace of development of the rookies): “I don’t know if you would call us a seller or a buyer. We’re willing to do a little bit of both, but we’re not going to sell off players we think have a future for us.”
Development
Speaking of development, Bowman also discussed the success of the team’s youngest players. Leading the way with Pius Suter, Kevin Lankinen, and Philipp Kurashev, the Blackhawks have the most goals (22) and points (46) combined by rookies this season. While most expected the “rebuilding” process to be a long, arduous journey, it appears the process has been accelerated in the 2021 season.
“Our best years are ahead of us going forward, so I think we want to make sure we don’t trade out young assets unless you’re getting a young asset back, someone that you think is going to be part of your future,” Bowman said of the rebuild in Chicago.
Jonathan Toews
On the topic of Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews, Bowman sounded optimistic of the future for Toews, saying he has been in good spirits and is enjoying watching the team have the success they’ve had this season. “I’m in the same category as everyone. We want him feeling great, not only to help our team but to be back to himself. I don’t think he’s not quite there, yet but hopefully he will be soon,” Bowman said.
While it’s not an answer people will be happy with in regards to what is going on with Toews, it’s better than hearing things are in bad shape. Toews recently made his first “public” appearance since announcing he would miss the beginning of the season prior to training camp, congratulating longtime teammate Patrick Kane on his 1,000th NHL game.
Chicago Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews sends his well wishes and congratulations to Patrick Kane on his 1,000th game tonight #Blackhawks #1Kane
(@NHLBlackhawks) pic.twitter.com/ajgK3LSFKa— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) March 10, 2021
Dach and Strome’s Return
He also added that he expects Kirby Dach and Dylan Strome, to return to the lineup rather soon. Strome has been out of action since February 19th with a concussion, while Dach has been out since prior to training camp after having surgery to repair a broken wrist he suffered at the World Junior Championships. Both Strome and Dach have been skating with the team over the past few days and are on the current road trip with the club.
Whether or not the Blackhawks do anything to make a splash at the trade deadline on April 12th, the possibility of having Dach and Strome return to the lineup would function essentially as an acquisition this season. Adding a healthy Dach to the top line with a resurgent Alex DeBrincat and MVP-caliber Patrick Kane would be a welcomed infusion of optimism for a Chicago team that is fighting to hold their Central Division playoff spot.
