The Chicago Blackhawks have whittled their general manager search down to just three names, according to multiple reports including Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. Those three names are Kyle Davidson–who is currently serving as interim GM–Tampa Bay Lightning director of hockey operations Mathieu Darche and Chicago Cubs assistant GM Jeff Greenberg.
Greenberg’s name obviously stands out as someone that would be coming in from outside of the hockey world, though Friedman writes that he “knocked it onto Waveland Avenue” in his interview process. The Blackhawks are desperately trying to change the image of their organization and looked well outside the box in their search, though hiring Greenberg would certainly raise some eyebrows around the league given his lack of NHL experience.
Darche meanwhile is sort of the opposite, as someone who played in the league and has been interviewed for other jobs around the league. The 45-year-old has been with Tampa Bay since 2019 and is considered one of the most sought-after up-and-coming executives in the league, even if he too doesn’t have a ton of experience in an NHL front office at this point. A veteran of 250 NHL games, he also suited up more than 500 times in the minor leagues and has bounced all around the continent playing pro hockey.
Interestingly enough, Davidson appeared to be a surprising choice when he was named interim GM in the first place. He has been with the Blackhawks for a decade, working his way up from intern to assistant general manager, but was still relatively unknown when he took the reins. If he eventually is handed the full-time job it will be an incredible rise in a single organization.
It’s still not exactly clear when a decision will be made, though with the interview period over, one would assume it is coming quickly. Whoever does take over will have just a few weeks before the trade deadline to make some big decisions.
does hiring outside of your sport ever much work?
and the Sabres say…..no.
@sabres2723 – Ralph K. on line 1 for you… :)
The white yes men
Ralph was in Hockey(Edmonton) before soccer then returned to hockey. Did it work? No. But it wasnt a complete outside hockey hire like this would be.
@Joe Carters walkoff – It’s true that Ralph isn’t a strict outside-of-hockey guy, but it seems most people thought he had a better head for soccer than hockey.
I think the real issue is he probably has a better head for management then coaching
Paul DePodesta would be the highest profile executive I can think of who has had success in two different sports.
Dream scenario would be to bring Darche in as president of hockey ops and let him run the big show. Players would love it and he brings plenty of hockey IQ to run with it. Give Davidson the GM title and let him focus on contracts and the cap, where his strengths supposedly are. Who says no?
People who have never been GMs don’t generally become hockey ops presidents. I can’t imagine the Blackhawks going this route.
Funny thought though.
Not a horrible thought either honestly