Don't be surprised if Kane, Toews end careers elsewhere
Nothing is forever.
Especially when it comes to many living legends in professional sports.
Honestly, who ever thought Michael Jordan would play for someone other than the Bulls? Same goes for Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers. Bobby Hull leave the Blackhawks? Never!
That's just the tip of the iceberg - one that includes Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Willie Mays, Martin Brodeur, Gordie Howe and, most recently, Duncan Keith.
This brings us to the Blackhawks and the almost unfathomable thought of Patrick Kane and/or Jonathan Toews leaving the organization.
Could it actually happen, wondered Glenview's Melissa Nides when I reached out via social media for a Q&A.
The answer: Absolutely.
Both Toews' and Kane's legacies are cemented with the Hawks. Their numbers will be retired and statues may be erected at some point.
As for winning another Stanley Cup in Chicago? It seems unlikely.
So why not waive the no-trade clause and see if it can't happen someplace else?
One big issue is both players won't just go anywhere - and that limits what the Hawks can get in return.
Still, if Kane yields a few draft picks and top-notch prospects, it would be difficult to say no.
If you can unload a decent chunk of Toews' $10.5 million cap hit and acquire assets, it suddenly opens up all kinds of possibilities.
For sure, saying goodbye is never easy.
But for Kane, Toews and the Hawks it might just work out in the end for all of them.
Q: Who are the top three GM candidates?
- Brandon Sikora, Hickory Hills
A: A great question, because if the Hawks are going to pull of a blockbuster trade or two, it should be with the future GM in place.
The simplest route for the Hawks would be to give Kyle Davidson a chance. He's been in the organization for a decade and clearly isn't afraid to make a bold move when necessary (see the firing of Jeremy Colliton).
Is he too young and too inexperienced?
One could argue that, but look at what Theo Epstein did in Boston in his late 20s, rebuilding the Red Sox and bringing the city its first World Series in 86 years.
Another option would be to hire Eddie Olczyk as both vice president of hockey operations and GM. Olczyk has great relationships with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, which could pave the way to a rebuild by moving one or both. Or, he tells them he's going to figure out a way to give them one more shot at making a run.
But - and it's a big but - will Danny Wirtz hand the franchise's reins over to such a strong personality who isn't afraid to tell it like it is and will want complete control over all hockey decisions?
My third candidate is Kevin Weekes. The 46-year-old NHL Network analyst knows his stuff and also has great relationships with many players across the league. This would be his first chance to run a franchise, but surround him with the right people and he could get the job done.
Q: Will the Hawks explore the possibility of keeping Marc-Andre Fleury for another year if he wants to keep playing, and if so what does the contract look like?
- Bill Reimnitz, Chicago
A: Extremely unlikely. Even if the Hawks tell Patrick Kane they will try to load up for one more run, then you still trade Fleury to a contender for as much as possible.
Next season you can add a free agent to compete with Kevin Lankinen and 22-year-old up-and-comer Arvid Soderblom.
As for Fleury's next contract, you have to think he could sign a short-term deal that carries a cap hit of $6 million to $7 million.
Q: Does Derek King stay or go after the season is over?
- Jennifer Katrein-Bennett, Ottawa
A: King has done a nice job, going 10-6-2 since taking over for Jeremy Colliton. Still, I don't think he will be the man in charge when the 2022-23 season begins.
Associate coach Marc Crawford, who is far more involved than he was with Jeremy Colliton, should be a serious candidate.
As for King, I think the Hawks give him a hearty pat on the back and ask him to go back to developing the prospects in Rockford.