Wirtz explains role of Blackhawks advisory committee
When the Blackhawks began their general manager search in January, they formed an advisory committee that consisted of three former players - Eddie Olcyzk, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp.
CEO Danny Wirtz said Tuesday that the committee's job was to "give us perspective" on the candidates. They did not, however, advise Danny and Rocky Wirtz and Jamie Faulkner on who the candidates should be.
"We started broadly more organizationally - things that they see in the organization that we needed to be thinking about before the process started," Danny Wirtz said during a news conference at the United Center announcing Kyle Davidson as the franchise's 10th GM. "Then they really became involved to spend time interviewing each of the final candidates and to give us their take."
So why wasn't Olczyk a candidate? Danny Wirtz didn't have much of an explanation on that front, saying: "Eddie is a big part of our family. He's a contributor to the Blackhawks in so many ways.
"For the specific role we were looking for and the specific qualifications, it was important that we wanted Eddie in the tent as we made the decision to ultimately hire Kyle.
"We felt that was the best place to engage our friend Eddie."
Kudos to Campbell:
New Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson spent the first few minutes of his opening news conference thanking family, friends and the Wirtz family. He also gave a stick tap to former Hawks defenseman Brian Campbell, who will likely take a spot on Davidson's staff in the coming days.
"On the day I was named interim GM, he was one of the first calls I made," Davidson said. "I asked if he could be at morning skate the next day for the game. ... That was October 27 and he hasn't left.
"I don't know if it's the free chocolate bars on the charter, but he's sticking around. I couldn't ask for a more loyal friend and confidant over the last few months."
Toews, others may play:
Jonathan Toews participated in Tuesday's practice at Fifth Third Arena and may be able to play in Thursday's game against Edmonton.
Toews (4G, 15A) has missed the last 11 games while in concussion protocol.
Forward Tyler Johnson and defensemen Calvin de Haan and Riley Stillman also practiced and may all return vs. the Oilers. Johnson has played in just eight games this season and underwent neck surgery on Dec. 3.
Also, former Hawks D-man Duncan Keith will likely face his former team at the United Center for the first time. Keith (1G, 13A, 20:22 average time on ice in 35 games) missed three weeks with an upper-body injury.
He said it:
"You might be the GM of the Chicago Blackhawks, but I'm the GM of this house."
- Kyle Davidson's wife on a day in which Davidson may have been a little short-tempered