Blackhawk players: United they stand

As close as many of the Blackhawks were with former general manager Dale Tallon, they understand that business is business.

"I was disappointed because Dale is somebody who has done a lot for my career, bringing me over (from Philadelphia) and giving me a chance to play every day in the NHL, but I trust the decisions our organization makes," Patrick Sharp said Friday at the opening of the Hawks convention.

"The last few summers there seems to have been a lot of news about our team, but everything still seems to be going in the right direction."

The reaction of players to Tallon being demoted as GM last Tuesday and replaced by Stan Bowman was similar to how it was when Denis Savard was replaced as coach four games into last season. The players got over that shock quickly and went on to post 104 points and reach the Western Conference finals.

"It was tough to see Savvy leave, and now it's Dale, but obviously we're still going to have those guys around being a huge part of this team," captain Jonathan Toews said.

"I respect the decision," Patrick Kane said. "But as a player you can only do your thing on the ice and not worry about those kind of things - let the organization do what they think is best for the general manager position.

"We're all with Stan and have a lot of confidence in him, but Dale did a great job - it's obvious with the great trades and great drafting. It's unfortunate to see him go, but I guess the decision had to be made."

Adam Burish was close to Tallon but admitted once the season begins there isn't a whole lot of interaction between player and GM.

"I never had a whole lot of contact with those guys upstairs," Burish said. "They kind of live in their own little world. The only time I would go up there is when I was in trouble, when I got to pay a fine to the league for doing something stupid or doing something I shouldn't have and they have to pull some strings to get me out of it.

"In the playoffs, when I was talking too much and the leaguer sent a memo out, I had to go talk to Dale about it. What goes on in the office, I've got enough things on my plate to worry about."

In their dealing with Bowman, the former assistant GM, the players always came away impressed.

"Stan will be great," Burish said. "Stan is a sharp, sharp man, a really bright guy and when he says something you believe it because of the way he presents himself. I have no doubt he's going to do a great job."