Now you have to sit there and expect me to believe the Chicago Blackhawks are rewarded for years of covering up scandals by taking Connor Bedard first overall back on Wednesday in the NHL Draft?!
For a franchise that won three Stanley Cups in the past 13 years, and played in six premier outdoor spotlight games, this is a franchise that should feel no joy for easily the next decade.
A few basement-dwelling seasons in the Central Division are pennies on the dollar for all the hell this franchise needs to pay to the hockey community.
Remember that former star Patrick Kane was accused of sexual assault in 2015, where charges were not filed, after the Erie County (NY) District Attorney’s office did not find enough credible evidence to move forward. However, Kane still has the filth of the allegations on his character, despite moving onto the New York Rangers at last season’s trading deadline.
Kane is now an unrestricted free agent at 34 years old, where many teams may shy away due to the high price tag he will cover in signing a contract past one year.
Last season, the Blackhawks finished tied for the second-worst record in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and were only a point behind the Anaheim Ducks for worst overall. The Blackhawks sold off Alex DeBrinkcat to the Ottawa Senators on the opening day of free agency a year ago, where DeBrinkat now is seeking a trade when free agency opens on Saturday afternoon.
Last year’s captain Jonathan Toews is also an unrestricted free agent, as his deal expires Friday at midnight. Chicago elected not to renew Toews after missing more than 30 games at the end of the regular season with injuries. Toews has slowed down significantly in recent years, and speculation is running higher that his skates may be hung up after next season.
Chicago acquired longtime New York Islander fan favorite Josh Bailey on Thursday for a late-round pick and future considerations. Then former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall was acquired with veteran defenseman Nick Foglino from the Boston Bruins. Foglino signed a one year contract for $4 million, while Hall still has two years left on a massive contract that will cost $7.25 million per season. Chicago still has $22.59 million in cap space before midnight, which is still among the top 10 of teams in the league.
You would hope that Bedard would be more like Conor MacDavid than Crosby in the near future. Crosby has a history of whining and favoritism that has earned him the nickname “Cindy” over the years. MacDavid won his third Hart Trophy on Thursday, but is quickly turning into the NHL’s version of Karl Malone…record scoring ability, but may never win a championship unless something changes in Edmonton.
With how the Blackhawks, namely owner Rocky Wirtz, swept the Kyle Beach sexual assault scandal under the bus a few years ago, there is all the reason you need why the team has not played in an outdoor game since the 2019 Winter Classic. Beach was a Blackhawk prospect who filed multiple complaints against then-video coach Brad Aldridge during the team’s 2010 championship run. Wirtz then used his wealth to make the entire story go away until after Kane hoisted the Stanley Cup after Game Six, when Chicago downed the Philadelphia Flyers.
While I hope Bedard has a fine career, the entire franchise is a stain on the sport that no amount of Wirtz’s money will clean up…even with a generational franchise talent now in the fold. Remember, Bedard does not turn 18 for three more weeks.
-JC24