Blackhawks Fire GM Dale Tallon
As first reported by Comcast's Josh Mora, the Chicago Blackhawks have fired general manager Dale Tallon. To no one's surprise, his replacement will be Stan Bowman, son of Blackhawks' senior advisor Scotty Bowman.
Tallon's dismissal was seen by many as inevitable and that it was only a matter of time. The question still to be answered is why now? The Blackhawks were sure to make a splash the week before their convention, but few could have thought this would be the time to throw Tallon over the cliff.
The easy answer would lead to Tallon's botched handling of the qualifying offers for the Hawks' restricted free agents. If anything, one would think Stan Bowman has as much culpability for the oversight as Tallon. Rocky Wirtz has even referred to Bowman as the brainchild of the organization. This situation alone did not lead to Tallon's firing.
All signs point to larger differences in the overall philosophy of the organization. It was clear from afar that Tallon was not a John McDonough guy. After McDonough launched Blackhawks' legend Denis Savard from behind the bench, Tallon could not have been too comfortable in his tightly tailored suits.
Most likely, these are two gentleman who do not mesh. There was a clear division in the organization and Tallon was outdueled by McDonough and the Bowman's. Stan was also with the Hawks when the McDonough regime began, but he's more to the bosses' style - the quiet number's guy.
Immediate fan reaction has been mixed reviews. Tallon does not possess an embraceable personality such as Savard, and therefore he will not garner much sympathy. However, to diminish his contributions to the rebirth of a left for dead franchise would be wrong.
Some have already sounded the bell calling for Tallon to rejoin his old partner Pat Foley in the booth. Let me be the first to tell you that it will never happen. Tallon is no Savard. He will not be the good sport who flashes a smile and a wink as a Blackhawks' ambassador.
Tallon strikes me as the type a guy who holds a grudge. I hope that is the case because there is an interesting story to tell out of all of this. Tallon might just be the guy who decides to tell it.
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