Have you heard the latest rumors? The Blackhawks will be shopping both Kane and Toews. Yeah, surprised? I’m not. We just went through the unthinkable last summer, when the Cubs shipped the “big 3” out of town, not to mention, a couple big names prior to then; oh yeah, and I don’t think the Cubs are done yet. Any MLB team interested in an All Star catcher? Now, we have another team in town, about to say goodbye to two of the brightest stars to ever skate in the Blackhawks sweater? The question shouldn’t be IF another star will be shipped out of town, it should be WHEN the next star is leaving.
These potential moves by the Blackhawks have some things in common with the Cubs destruction, but they are NOT the same. Yes, they have all been big stars in Chicago; this much is true. Yes, they have all contributed to bringing championships home to us. I think that’s where the comparisons end. First off, the Cubs were only able to snag one title; don’t get me wrong… that one was MASSIVE and will never be taken for granted. The Hawks and their dynamic duo have brought home 3 Cups, dynastic if you may. Second, the Cubs were still in their successful window when the trades happened; success=making the playoffs on a regular basis. As of today, the Hawks are at the bottom of the hill; not sure when they will be back. Thirdly, the Cubs’ guys were young… still have most of their careers ahead of them. 88 & 19… well… 88 still has some years left IMO, but I was thinking 19 may be doing a retirement tour this year anyways. Regardless of the differences, it doesn’t mean it will hurt any less; it may not anger me as much, but it will still hurt like hell.
Can you imagine Kane & Toews in another jersey? Eventually, you have to believe they will be immortalized with statues a la Hull and Mikita, wearing the Indian Head, but to see them still playing, but for another team??? Hey, I had to watch MJ play in a Wizards jersey OK? At least we didn’t have to see Sweetness don another NFL team’s gear. This is the time we are living in, yet just like other current events, this stuff has always happened… maybe not as much or publicized as it is today, but it’s been there. Bobby Hull played for the Winnipeg Jets. We saw Roenick, Belfour, Chelios all skate for different teams. Heck, how many guys from the Blackhawks’ runs of the 2010s have been spread throughout the league? But yeah, Kane… Toews… it’s different right?
Maybe it won’t happen, but prepare yourself now. Are the Hawks just trying to be cheap like the Cubs, or do they really have a plan? Based on all the draft night activity, and the decisions to not keep Kubalik and Strome, it certainly seems the new guys want a fresh start; unfortunately, that includes our 2 legendary players. Maybe they don’t want to be here either? Having to play with all these new faces; no chance in hell to make the postseason. Maybe we should want the best for them, after all, they did bring us 3 Cups; they’ve done their part. And just like MJ, who just couldn’t quit… that desire to play competitively never waned… dude, do whatever the hell you want; you’ve earned it. It didn’t change the fact that he’s a Bull for life. So if Kane heads to NY to play with BreadMan, and Toews is added to a championship contender, we should be happy for them, no? It sucks for us, I get it, but… don’t they deserve to finish their careers off on a team that will make another run at the Cup? I’m all for starting fresh, doing it with YOUR guys, but… the moves the Hawks have been making have been pushing us further away from another Cup run. Sure, maybe the Hawks will be kicking ass in 2027, but time isn’t exactly on the side of 88 & 19. You see, I’m trying to already make myself feel better; I’m already trying to rationalize it. How am I doing?
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