Blackhawks CEO McDonough rejects dynasty label

The word "dynasty" has been thrown around with ease since the Blackhawks won their third Stanley Cup in six season, but Hawks president and CEO John McDonough doesn't believe his team has earned that label just yet.

"This franchise is not going to be measured by winning three Stanley Cups in six years," McDonough said. "This franchise is going to be measured over decades ... it's been a very good run. I have been asked countless times by media, 'is this a dynasty?' In my opinion, it is not a dynasty. I don't want anyone from our front office or team lulled into thinking that it is."

McDonough made this distinction as the keynote speaker at the Frontier League's Hall of Fame Luncheon, hosted by the Schaumburg Boomers, ahead of the All-Star Game Wednesday night.

When the luncheon attendees were invited to join WGN sportscaster and acting MC Pat Tomasulo in asking McDonough questions, the first was one that fans have been asking for weeks now: whether the Hawks are done trading fan favorites now that Brandon Saad (Columbus) and Patrick Sharp (Dallas) are gone.

McDonough said he understood their feeling, but he could not make any promises.

"It's really hard to see players go. It's the nature of the business. It's about change, it's about evolution, but you've got core superstar players: Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Marian Hossa," McDonough said. "I felt we made a very good offer to Brandon Saad. It's unfortunate he didn't take it, but I respect that Brandon helped us win two Stanley Cups and was able to be rewarded with a lucrative contract in Columbus."

McDonough, who turned the Blackhawks from one of the NHL's worst franchises to one of the best when he came over from the Cubs in 2007, also advised the roughly 250 Frontier League executives and players in the room on the importance of a positive atmosphere within a team.

"I like dynamic, charismatic, gregarious people who are going to understand that the welfare of the organization comes first," he said. "We need to make sure that people are on board with the system we have. It's not an individualistic system. People at our office are incredibly friendly and incredibly gracious. Our turnover rate is about four percent a year, and I don't believe it's all connected to winning the Stanley Cup."

After the event, McDonough chatted with Frontier League officials. The 2013 NHL championship ring on his finger was hard to miss as he shook hands and posed for photos with attendees.

McDonough said he was impressed by the Boomers' organization and growth of the Frontier League, calling Boomers owner Pat Salvi, who has been friends with McDonough since they attended college together, "one of the elite owners in minor league sports."

Before McDonough began his question-and-answer session, the "voice of the Boomers," Tim Calderwood, introduced each of this year's Frontier League All-Star selections for the East Divison and West Division teams.

Frontier League commissioner Bill Lee then presented the players being inducted into the league's Hall of Fame: first baseman Mike Breyman, pitcher Bobby Chandler, and outfielders Stephen Holdren, Jason James, and Chris Sidick.

"These players help us appreciate the history of this league, from where we started to where we are now as the best independent league in the country," said Lee, who has been in charge of the Frontier League for 22 of its 23 years.