Post by Chicago Blackhawks on Jul 21, 2024 13:47:03 GMT -6
The Chicago Blackhawks enter the offseason after yet another disappointing early exit from the PFHL playoffs. Despite this setback, they approach the offseason with optimism and a positive outlook. The team's development is progressing well, positioning them as early contenders, especially in the Central Division—a division they have won twice in the last three years. However, their challenge lies in maintaining regular season momentum during the postseason. We sat down with GM Hetherington today to ask him three burning questions:
"Let's address the elephant in the room. What is the plan for RFA Zach Werenski? Why was he just qualified? Didn't you learn your lesson already?"
"Zach is an incredible player who made a significant impact on our team last year during his time in Chicago. We envision him being part of our organization for a long time. This negotiation approach was chosen because he sought a lucrative short-term deal, whereas we prefer a longer commitment. We've taken precautions in this negotiation. Trading Leddy, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick for Zach ensured that any team in the PFHL would need to offer at least four first-round picks to make us consider letting him go, though we're still unlikely to do so. The worst-case scenario would be losing him for more than what we traded, but that's a contingency plan. This situation is quite different from our decision regarding Cernak leaving as an RFA in the past, and the two shouldn't be compared," replied GM Hetherington.
"What was your immediate reaction to being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs again?"
"How do you think I reacted? I was livid. A few things got tossed and broken. I had to replace some items in the press box and my office. Our window to win won't stay open forever. We still have an amazing core of forwards with Rantanen at 27, McCann, Duclair, and Kuzmenko at 28. Currently, all our top four defensemen are 26. We also have young talents like Kaliyev at 23 and Beaudin at 24, which extends our competitive window. However, we must come together and win when it counts. Our veterans need to step up when it matters most. This upcoming season must matter. The playoffs have to MATTER. We firmly believe that in this building, we are genuine contenders. If certain players don't step up, changes will be made" replied GM Hetherington.
"You mentioned being 'all-in.' What are your offseason plans to push the team over the hump?"
"We'll continue negotiating with Zach and monitor how the rest of restricted free agency unfolds. Our front office is already deeply involved in draft preparations, even though our first pick isn't until the third round. I have great confidence in my scouting team to identify professional players who can contribute to our franchise's future. Then comes free agency. While our current cap space is limited, we have options to free up room. There aren't many gaps to fill at present. Our priority is securing a goaltender who can support Stolarz. Following that, we'll target impactful depth additions. We're content with our current depth but always on the look out for opportunities. As a side note nugget for you today, we've recently discussed acquiring another top-six player with salary retention to truly go 'all-in.' We'll see how that unfolds—it's just a small teaser for today."
"We thank GM Hetherington for his time today. It promises to be an intriguing offseason for the Blackhawks."
"Let's address the elephant in the room. What is the plan for RFA Zach Werenski? Why was he just qualified? Didn't you learn your lesson already?"
"Zach is an incredible player who made a significant impact on our team last year during his time in Chicago. We envision him being part of our organization for a long time. This negotiation approach was chosen because he sought a lucrative short-term deal, whereas we prefer a longer commitment. We've taken precautions in this negotiation. Trading Leddy, two first-round picks, and a second-round pick for Zach ensured that any team in the PFHL would need to offer at least four first-round picks to make us consider letting him go, though we're still unlikely to do so. The worst-case scenario would be losing him for more than what we traded, but that's a contingency plan. This situation is quite different from our decision regarding Cernak leaving as an RFA in the past, and the two shouldn't be compared," replied GM Hetherington.
"What was your immediate reaction to being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs again?"
"How do you think I reacted? I was livid. A few things got tossed and broken. I had to replace some items in the press box and my office. Our window to win won't stay open forever. We still have an amazing core of forwards with Rantanen at 27, McCann, Duclair, and Kuzmenko at 28. Currently, all our top four defensemen are 26. We also have young talents like Kaliyev at 23 and Beaudin at 24, which extends our competitive window. However, we must come together and win when it counts. Our veterans need to step up when it matters most. This upcoming season must matter. The playoffs have to MATTER. We firmly believe that in this building, we are genuine contenders. If certain players don't step up, changes will be made" replied GM Hetherington.
"You mentioned being 'all-in.' What are your offseason plans to push the team over the hump?"
"We'll continue negotiating with Zach and monitor how the rest of restricted free agency unfolds. Our front office is already deeply involved in draft preparations, even though our first pick isn't until the third round. I have great confidence in my scouting team to identify professional players who can contribute to our franchise's future. Then comes free agency. While our current cap space is limited, we have options to free up room. There aren't many gaps to fill at present. Our priority is securing a goaltender who can support Stolarz. Following that, we'll target impactful depth additions. We're content with our current depth but always on the look out for opportunities. As a side note nugget for you today, we've recently discussed acquiring another top-six player with salary retention to truly go 'all-in.' We'll see how that unfolds—it's just a small teaser for today."
"We thank GM Hetherington for his time today. It promises to be an intriguing offseason for the Blackhawks."
