Blackhawks' letter is intended to begin a new era of transparency between the front office and the publicGETTY IMAGES
The Blackhawks sent a letter to fans that outlines their "youth-oriented plan to 'learn how to win consistently' again in far clearer terms than management did in the confusion that surrounded the recent departures" of G Corey Crawford and LW Brandon Saad, according to Ben Pope of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. The letter is "intended more to begin a new era of transparency between the Hawks' front office and the outside world." Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said, "Really what's different is just more of an open communication with the fans more so than a different approach to our team." Bowman said that he "took the first steps to fulfill that new promise of transparency during an exclusive hourlong interview Monday." Pope notes the decision to implement a change in communication policies was "driven in no small part" by Blackhawks interim President Danny Wirtz, who has "reimagined numerous aspects of the Hawks' internal culture and structure since taking over for old-school predecessor John McDonough in April." Bowman said of Wirtz, "Danny's a pretty dynamic person who sees the value in transparency and communication." But that message "won't be received well by everyone." Bowman is "aware a sizable portion of the fan base dislikes him and will wish the announcement referred to his future rather than the team's" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 10/21).
FACING THE MUSIC: In Chicago, Paul Sullivan notes Bowman launched a "media tour of 'exclusive' interviews with various outlets." Bowman is "mostly responsible" for the team's regression in recent years, which is "why he's so unpopular in spite of running the team during its golden age." Sullivan: "Still, he'll get an opportunity to put things back together because he has the trust" of Blackhawks Chair Rocky Wirtz and Danny Wirtz (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 10/21).
HOME RENOVATION: In Chicago, John Dietz writes the Blackhawks are in "full damage control after an emotional two weeks." In the big picture, this is "probably the way to go" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 10/21). Also in Chicago, Charlie Roulmeliotis wrote they "aren't tearing it down to the ground and starting from scratch." But the process "will require patience as the team looks to become perennial contenders again" (NBCSPORTSCHICAGO.com, 10/20).
