BHN Puck Links: Bowman Era Done For Blackhawks, Lazar On Trip With Bruins

Three Stanley Cups and twelve years after he replaced former Chicago Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon, the Stan Bowman era is over with the Blackhawks.

In wake of the results of their internal investigation into sexual allegations made in 2010, against former video coach Bradley Aldrich, the Blackhawks announced Tuesday that general manager Stan Bowman has stepped down and senior vice president Al MacIsaac was let go on Tuesday. 

Bowman released a statement on his decision to move on from the Blackhawks organization.

“Eleven years ago, while serving in my first year as general manager, I was made aware of potential inappropriate behavior by a then-video coach involving a player,” said the now-former Blackhawks GM and son of hall of famer Scotty Bowman. “I promptly reported the matter to the then-President and CEO who committed to handling the matter. I learned this year that the inappropriate behavior involved a serious allegation of sexual assault. I relied on the direction of my superior that he would take appropriate action. Looking back, now knowing he did not handle the matter promptly, I regret assuming he would do so.”

That ‘then-President and CEO is John McDonough, who was abruptly and shockingly let go back on April 27, 2020. 

With their departures, all members of the 2010 senior management team have either been let go or left. In addition to Bowman, McDonough, and MacIssac, executive Jay Bunk, assistant GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, vice president of marketing Pete Hassen, mental skills coach James Gary, vice president of human relations Marie Sutera, and head coach Joel Quenneville had either been fired or moved on already.

Kyle Davidson will serve as interim GM of the Blackhawks and CEO Danny Wirtz said that a search to fill the vacant Hockey Ops positions will begin in earnest within the next week. Wirtz also told the media that the report from the investigation led by former federal prosecutor Reid Schar in conjunction with Jenner & Block LLP had been handed over to the league. Within minutes of the conclusion of the team’s press briefing Tuesday, the NHL sent out a press release statement:

‘The National Hockey League announced today that the Chicago Blackhawks have been fined $2 Million for the organization’s inadequate internal procedures and insufficient and untimely response in the handling of matters related to former video coach Brad Aldrich’s employment with the Club and ultimate departure in 2010. The League and the Blackhawks have decided that $1 Million of the fine money will be dedicated to fund local organizations in and around the Chicago community that provide counseling and training for, and support and assistance to, survivors of sexual and other forms of abuse.’

The full release from the NHL can be read here and the full report can be read on the team’s website.  

Of note is that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said that if any of the Blackhawks 2010 senior management team and others involved that are not currently employed in the NHL want to work in the NHL again, the league would have to allow reemployment under agreed-upon conditions. As for those still employed in the NHL, like Quenneville, our man in FLA George Richards has the details over at Florida Hockey Now.

Now onto the rest of your BHN Puck Links:

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins will be without forward Craig Smith for their upcoming back-to-back set on the road that sees them play the undefeated Florida Panthers (Wednesday) and Carolina Panthers (Thursday). They could however have forward Curtis Lazar back in the lineup for one or both games. (BHN)

Will the PHWA finally give Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand his proper due if he continues to play Hart Trophy-worthy hockey? (BHN)

National Hockey Now

According to COVID deniers and anti-vaxxers (AKA COVIDIOTS), young, in-shape athletes cannot suffer from COVID if they contract the deadly virus. Dan Kingerski writes about another athlete proving them wrong. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Stefan Rosner thinks Barry Trotz needs to let Ilya Sorokin keep the net for the New York Islanders even when Semyon Varlamov returns. (NYI Hockey Now)

Why did early Calder Trophy candidate and Detroit Red Wings rookie defenseman Moritz Seider choose to wear No. 53 for the Wings? (Detroit Hockey Now)

The Montreal Canadiens did some team bonding and reunited with former captain Shea Weber taking in Monday Night Football in Seattle Monday night. Will it pay off against the Kraken tonight? (Montreal Hockey Now)

Despite arguably their best effort of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs lost their third straight game Monday night. (Toronto Hockey Now)

NHL

Speaking of the Leafs, my BHN partner-in-scribe, Joe Haggerty says despite it only being October, the traditional first round chokers are already a ‘hot mess’. (Bulletin)

Here’s hoping the Columbus Blue Jackets find the fan who verbally abused Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins by mentioning his late teammate, Matiss Kivlenieks, before their game on Monday night. (ESPN)