(670 The Score) The Blackhawks resisted undergoing a rebuilding process for the last several years and in doing so managed to dig their hole even deeper.
The Blackhawks haven't earned a playoff berth in a non-pandemic season since 2016-’17. Recently, Chicago finally embarked on a full rebuild, with first-year general manager Kyle Davidson trading star forward Alex DeBrincat and promising young center Kirby Dach on NHL Draft night to acquire more picks, which were used on teenagers who are years away from reaching the NHL, as well as letting a few productive players leave in free agency.
This week, the organization's overhaul extended to the broadcast booth, as news broke that beloved television color commentator Eddie Olczyk wouldn't return after a breakdown in contract negotiations. Olczyk will join the Seattle Kraken's broadcast booth in addition to continuing his work on TNT national broadcasts.
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On the Mully & Haugh Show on Wednesday morning, Olczyk expressed his belief that the Blackhawks were wrong to push back their rebuilding path.
“This should’ve happened a couple of years ago,” Olczyk said. "The rebuild should’ve happened a couple of years ago, without question.
“There is a plan in place right now for the Blackhawks. It’s going to take some time. It’s going to take some time. The Hawks know where they were, where they are and where they’re trying to get to. Now, they will be evaluated a couple years from now. But it’s going to take some time. I hope the fans understand.
“It’s going to get rough. In the forefront now, it’s what the hell is going to happen with (Jonathan Toews) and with (Patrick Kane)? And those guys hold the keys. They have the no-movement clause and they are driving the bus.
“Hindsight is what it is, (but) they should’ve done this a couple of years ago.”
The Blackhawks went 28-42-12 last season. The futures of Toews and Kane are now uncertain as trade possibilities loom for the Blackhawks’ former core stars.
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