The Blackhawks are not in a “rebuilding” program. The hopeful term is a “stop destroying” program. Much has been made about the Jeremy Roenick trade, and while that particular trade did in fact remove the heart and soul of the Blackhawks, it is hardly the singular cause of their current ineptitude.
The top goaltenders today are (pick one): Jeff Hackett of Philadelphia, Ed Belfour of Toronto or Dominik Hasek of Detroit, any one of whom could still be here. Add Roenick’s current linemate Tony Amonte, put him on with Brett Hull, (who begged to play here), keep J.P. DuMont and Chris Chelios and a handful of other players who went away for nothing and the United Center would be filled.
It’s not who the Hawks get, it’s who they get rid of. And to reinstall the architect of the 30-year demise for a fourth term as general manager is unconscionable. If they at least would have had the common sense to keep Chicago Stadium, a treasure on parallel of Wrigley Field, perhaps they could sucker in fans with a sub-par product just based on the attractiveness of the venue. They are not “rebuilding.” Please stop dismantling.
