GM Kyle Davidson addresses reports that Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews want out of Chicago

It's not exactly a secret that the Chicago Blackhawks aren't the powerhouse they once were...

In fact, given their current roster construction they're more likely to finish at the bottom of the standings then push for a playoff spot these days. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson appears to have pushed all of his chips in on a full scorched Earth rebuild and has essentially gutted his team of assets this offseason. Gone are former 3rd overall pick Kirby Dach and 41 goal scorer Alex DeBrincat. The team enters the season with Petr Mrazek as their starting goaltender, Seth Jones as their lone quality defenseman and with Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane up front. Beyond that... there ain't much to cheer for in Chicago this upcoming season.

There have been reports in the past 24 hours that both Kane and Toews are not happy with the direction of the team and there's a real sense that both players could ask for a trade before the season starts. Kane's and Toews' agent Pat Brisson stated yesterday that his clients are “not necessarily in agreement with the direction the team is taking.”

Davidson, for what it's worth, addressed the rumors that the two franchise icons could be traded saying, "I think it's really hard to handicap at this point because it's all so fresh. I don't think I have a fully formed opinion on that one, one way or another right now."

That... that certainly doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement.

My bet is that neither player returns to the Blackhawks for next season. Sure, their contracts will make it difficult to be dealt, but Davidson has shown that he's not afraid to retain salary and get back next to nothing if it means he can tank this team into the dirt. It's clear that Davidson's plan is to strip the team down to nothing in the hopes of getting some top draft picks over the next few seasons. And if I'm a veteran like Kane or Toews, two players who have nothing left to prove at this point in their careers, I wouldn't be too happy to spend my final seasons with a basement dwelling team gutted of any real talent. 

I think it's time for everyone to move on at this point. Stay tuned.