Wirtz sees Tallon as vital in new role
While Blackhawks president John McDonough fielded question after question Tuesday about the removal of Dale Tallon from his general manager's post and his replacement Stan Bowman, team chairman Rocky Wirtz sat quietly off to the side, happy to let those two share the spotlight.
Afterward, though, Wirtz spoke to the Daily Herald about yet another big day in Blackhawks history.
Q: What does this move say about the organization?
Wirtz: We're willing to make tough decisions and move ahead.
Q: How tough is it for you to separate sentimentality from business?
Wirtz: We try to always do it. The important thing is to pass the mantle on to younger people in our organization. Any time you can promote Dale to a position, or anyone to a position, and promote from within - if you have the qualifications as Stan does - that's a win-win for both of them.
I think it's going to be a win for Dale because he does deserve this and he's going to be a very valuable part of this organization going forward. For Stan, it's a growth opportunity.
Q: You guys seem to treat your former players well even when you move them out of top management positions.
Wirtz: No one says you have to stay in your job forever. Over time in business, people get stale in the positions they're in. So to help them on their career paths it's up to us - senior management - to move them along to a different position that will still help the organization.
Q: How do you expect fans to react to this move?
Wirtz: I think the fans will look at it if we win, they'll think it's a great job.
It wasn't just Dale. He had a whole organization behind him. Stan was working, the scouts. The reason we have these great young players is because of the organization, not any one individual. I think if you asked Stan, he'd say the same thing.
I think making the decision is more important than sitting back and being satisfied with the status quo.
If the fans would see that senior management and ownership was happy with the status quo, then I would think they'd have something to complain about.