Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson explains decision to move on Jonathan Toews – NBC Chicago

Hawks general manager Kyle Davidson explained his decision to move on from Toews, originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson announced Thursday morning that captain Jonathan Toews will not be re-signed, making him an unrestricted free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season.

“Words cannot adequately describe all that Jonathan has done for the organization and the wonderful memories he has provided,” Davidson said. “He will forever be a Blackhawk. … We can’t thank him enough for all he’s done.”

(MORE: Ode to Jonathan Toews, driving force behind Blackhawks’ dynasty era)

This marks the official end of an era since the organization traded Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers by March 3rd. Toews was the last man standing on a Stanley Cup-winning team, but Thursday will mark the end of his streak in Chicago.

The Blackhawks apparently did not offer Kane a contract extension before being traded, and neither did Toews. Davidson explained why he thinks starting fresh is good for the team in the long run.

“I don’t know that it necessarily puts the past behind us,” Davidson said. “It’s about cleaning up the game to some extent to allow the organic growth of young players in leadership roles and to allow a new era of Blackhawks players like Toews, Kane, (Duncan) Keith, (Brent) Seabrook. presented when they entered the league.

“When you have a player like Jonathan or Patrick in your dressing room, you give up on them. You let them take the lead and there aren’t many opportunities for development. Now we’ll see if that’s been a useful thing for the next group to allow leaders to emerge and to build a relationship with Luke (Richardson), to build a relationship with myself. This will allow them to become the new leadership team of the franchise.”

Davidson knows it’s not a popular decision, and he hasn’t missed it. He also does not try to test the patience of fans. He’s just doing what he thinks is right for the future of the Blackhawks as they try to build a new core moving forward.

“I sympathize with him because I feel for him,” Davidson said. “Love it, if we think the best way forward is for everyone to stay. But with our transition and trajectory, it’s time to clear the decks and start building new leaders and new names that the fans will fall in love with and hopefully ride and have some success over the next few years. .

“It’s just one of those things where we have to make tough decisions. And this is something else. I might be disappointed because they are legends. They’ve done a lot for the city, they’ve done a lot for the organization and they’ve made a lot of money, it’s only natural. But we have to do what we think is best for the growth of the team, and that’s what we think is best for them.

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