Critical meeting with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in Chicago

Chicago Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson pulled off two large trades on Thursday on the draft floor at the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. First up, Davidson traded star forward Alex DeBrincat to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for the 7th overall pick, a 2nd round and a 3rd pick. Then Davidson shipped out former 3rd overall pick Kirby Dach to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for the 13th overall pick and another 2nd round pick. In essence, the Blackhawks loaded up on draft picks by shipping out DeBrincat and Dach.

It didn’t take long after the moves for fans to demand a reaction from veteran players like captain Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The latter and his agent Pat Brisson only said that they’re "not going to make any decisions or comments at this point.”

Davidson did however spoke with media members later on Thursday and revealed that he plans to have a conversation with both Toews and Kane about the future in Chicago. He added that he wants them to be a part of this going forward, to “set the bar.”

However, not that the rebuild is real now and underway, he needs to make sure they are onboard and where their heads are at.

Earlier in 2021-22, Toews didn’t hide his disappointment, calling the departures of Brandon Hagel and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury “disheartening”.

There is a honest sense that Toews and Kane would prefer to remain Blackhawks until they retire, but maybe this reconstruction is too much for them.

Things are moving in Chicago and unfortunately, it could include Toews and/or Kane.