BHN Puck Links: Chicago Blackhawks Fallout Continues, Deservedly So

The hockey world continues to reverberate from the Chicago Blackhawks scandal centering around former first round pick Kyle Beach and the former video coach Scott Aldrich that’s alleged to have abused him sexually.

The latest was meetings between NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Florida Panthers head coach Joel Quenneville on Thursday, and another scheduled ahead of the weekend with former Blackhawks assistant GM, and current Winnipeg Jets GM, Kevin Cheveldayoff. It’s somewhat vague as to what the consequences are going to be as a result of those conversations, but it doesn’t sound like either is completely out of the woods when it comes to a termination or resignation.

Or as FOH (Friend of Haggs) Kevin Weekes puts it, Quenneville is on his way out and John Tortorella is poised to take over.

I’m hearing there’s a coaching change coming shortly with the @FlaPanthers . Keep an eye on my @espn colleague John Tortorella as one of the top potential candidates.@NHL @NHLNetwork #HockeyTwitter .

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) October 29, 2021

Either way, there is a stain on the Chicago Blackhawks organization and their run as three-time Stanley Cup champs is never going to be looked at the same way again. Certainly, there are many around the hockey world completely disgusted with the details of the situation, and you can count this humble hockey writer among them.

There are just a few things that can count as positives: One is the way former Blackhawks skills coach Paul Vincent conduct himself during the entire situation. Vincent supported Beach every step of the way and was one of the few members of the Blackhawks organization that never stopped pushing for people doing the right thing.

The other is Beach, himself, who will undoubtedly inspire others to speak their truth and face their fears with courage and honesty after seeing the way he’s been supported. Let’s just hope that the outpouring of love and support is helping ease his pain after what’s undoubtedly been a hellish last 11 years since a coach he trusted did the unthinkable.

Now on to the BHN Puck Links:

*The Boston Bruins looked at this week as a “measuring stick” of sorts against undefeated Florida and Carolina, and thus far it looks like they aren’t measuring up. (Boston Hockey Now)

*TJ Oshie is out “week-to-week” with a lower body injury as absences start to creep in for teams like the Washington Capitals. (Washington Hockey Now)

*Profiles in courage indeed as Joel Quenneville doesn’t meet with reporters following Wednesday night’s game, and really opens up questions as to whether he should have even coached it in the first place. (Florida Hockey Now)

*This transcript of the TSN interview with Kyle Beach is equal parts infuriating, disheartening and also inspiring in the courage that the former Blackhawks prospect showed in bringing the truth to light. (TSN)

*For something completely different: A John Wick spinoff is coming? You love to hear it. (Comicbook.com)