Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson reaffirmed his commitment to the ongoing rebuilding process the franchise is undergoing, calling fans for patience.
Speaking Monday, Davidson emphasized that the process is still unfolding and should be trusted even as the franchise endures another difficult season.
At the time of Davidson’s speech, the Blackhawks sit dead-last in the NHL standings with a 15-29-5 record and 35 total points, albeit with four games in hand over the 31st-ranked San Jose Sharks.
“This takes time. We knew it would take time,” Davidson said. “There’s nothing that’s gone on in our prospect group or the development of our young players that’s causing me concern.
“We are in the process of a rebuild here, and it’s going to be on the backs of our young players and prospects.”
The Blackhawks have struggled to show any significant improvement since Davidson took over the general manager role in 2021, and in fact, the franchise has won fewer games each passing year.
Chicago has gone from winning 28 games in 2021-21 to only winning 26 and 23 in the last two seasons while on pace to win 25 this year if they keep up their current winning percentage.
Davidson acknowledged some disappointment in the team’s performance, which led to a coaching change (the fourth hiring through Davidson’s reign) in December, but maintained optimism about the franchise’s trajectory.
“For his group at the NHL level, I did expect a little more and we made a coaching change because of that,” Davidson said. “That’s a pretty big indicator that I didn’t feel the group was where they needed to be. So, that in itself is disappointing, but a macro level and much higher-level view, I’m really excited and really happy with where things are headed.”
The only bright light on Chicago’s short- and long-term future is hockey phenom Connor Bedard, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick and 2024 Calder Trophy winner.
Bedard, 19, has bounced back from a slow start to lead the team with 43 points (13 goals, 30 assists). While Bedard has voiced frustration over the team’s struggles and latest decisions, Davidson isn’t overly concerned about his development.
“You know his words get taken much further than everyone else,” Davidson said. “He’s got some confidence, some swagger back, and it’s really exciting to see.”
Speaking with Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet on Jan. 8, Davidson addressed Bedard’s perspective on the team’s struggles, revealing that, for now, Bedard is “comfortable” with the overall vision for the franchise.
“Yes, yes. That’s the most important thing,” Davidson said. “I don’t want to be in 32nd place. He doesn’t want to be in 32nd place, no one does. Understanding what else is happening in the organization, what we’re thinking moving forward–all of that is very important for him to understand to some extent.”
