Blackhawks stick with Kyle Davidson as GM

After an intriguing search that went beyond hockey to the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Blackhawks ultimately stayed in-house with their general manager decision. The Blackhawks removed the “interim” title for Kyle Davidson, giving him the full-time job in a Tuesday announcement.

“We have a vision here for the future of Blackhawks hockey and today we are a step closer to that coming together,” said Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz in a statement. “As an organization, we know we have a lot of work to do on and off the ice and Kyle is the leader we trust to oversee our hockey operations.

“The thorough process we undertook affirmed much of what we believed we had in Kyle and he stepped up to lead and make tough decisions during his time in the interim role. He without a doubt met every qualification we were looking for, is passionate about the game and represents the high character across everything we do.”

According to various reports, the Blackhawks considered some interesting candidates before sticking with Kyle Davidson as GM.

Overall, the Blackhawks at least gave the impression of considering a wide range of candidates. Yet, when the smoke cleared, they went with the familiar.

Immediately, it’s fair to wonder how much will really change.

Then again, there’s plenty of room for Davidson to make his own mark on the Blackhawks as GM. Let’s touch on his background and key decisions that wait ahead.

For better or worse, Davidson carries plenty of experience of how Stan Bowman ran the Blackhawks before the former GM resigned in disgrace.

Most of Davidson’s journey to Blackhawks GM can be traced through his time in Bowman’s front office.

Davidson began as an intern with the Blackhawks in 2010, climbing the ranks to assistant GM by 2019.