Chicago Blackhawks General Manager explains how he tries to help players save their careers
Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson hasn't been shy to move failed prospects along for fresh starts elsewhere. Sometimes even feeling the brunt of the fan base because of some of his choices.
Last week alone in two separate trades, the Hawks dealt Nicolas Beaudin to the Montreal Canadiens for forward Cameron Hillis and forward Evan Barratt to the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Cooper Zech.
These moves were done to help Beaudin, and Barratt's careers. Both players will be heading home. Beaudin hails from the Montreal suburb of Chateauguay, Quebec; Barratt grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of Bristol, Pennsylvania, and played at Penn State.
GM Kyle Davidson shared a great quote on the business of Hockey.
"We're in the people business," he said, "Just like anyone working in the front office, those players are trying to make a career out of it, too. You do what's best for the people in your organization. Players are not just assets, they're people, too."
"If there's an opportunity where we're not sacrificing and it's something we can do to help them out, then it's something we'll explore. Again, we're not going to do something that hurts the Chicago Blackhawks, but if there's an opportunity to find something where it's not necessarily a loss in great value to the Blackhawks, then we'll consider that."
A pro hockey career can be really short. It's great to see the human side of the game, from a young GM.
POLL |
Do you like hearing stories of failed prospects, getting moved for another opportunity? |
Yes, great to see them get treated as humans | 46 | 80.7 % |
No, If your not good enough too bad | 11 | 19.3 % |
List of polls |
|
42 minutes ago | By TJ Tucker A Significant Change to NHL's CBA Could Bring Big Benefits for Teams Around the League |
|
2 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Analyst Is Convinced the Montreal Canadiens Are Trading Defenseman Arber Xhekaj |
|
12 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Jacob Trouba Destroys Justin Barron with a Controversial, Suspendable Elbow to the Head |
|
13 hours ago | By Tom Banks Utah HC Owner Puts Gary Bettman In Unprecedented Position During Home Opener |
|
16 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Penguins Tristan Jarry Could Soon be Placed on Waivers After Team Makes Shocking Decision |
|
17 hours ago | By TJ Tucker Jason Kelce Drops Wild Story of NHL Captain Crashing their NFL Locker Room to Arm Wrestle Players |
|
18 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog Responds to Fan Who Told Him to Retire in Hilarious Fashion |
|
18 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Analysts Debate the Controversy Surrounding Oliver Ekman-Larsson's Punishable Hit |
Previously on Bladeofsteel