Chicago Blackhawks name Chris O'Hearn as vice-president of Hockey Operations
The Chicago Blackhawks welcome a new vice president of hockey operations, Chris O'Hearn, to their organization; raising questions of the long-term future for general manager, Kyle Davidson.
The Blackhawks added a veteran hockey execute as their new vice president yesterday, January 20, 2025, as first reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic.
Chris O'Hearn has an impressive resume; serving as an assistant manager for the Arizona Coyotes with veteran executives, Don Maloney and John Chayka, to spending five years with the Minnesota Wild, as a director of hockey operations and later being promoted as an assistant GM.
Could O'Hearn bring the Chicago Blackhawks back to life?
Davidson has spent an excessive amount of time with the Blackhawks considering their struggles to improve. He is now in his 14th year with the organization and his fourth season as GM.
While Kyle Davidson continues to oversee the talent and drive within the Chicago Blackhawks line-up, like first-overall pick in 2023 Connor Bedard, the organization consistently seems to lack the proper management to make them competitors.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the NHL standings with a 15-28-3 record, the Hawks are in intensive need to reconstruct and transition the team, maybe even find a new general manager.
The 43-year-old, Chris O'Hearn, has extensive experience and a great reputation for his ability to handle complex hockey operations, which will inevitable create value in his addition to Chicago's front office.
However, O'Hearn's arrival to Chicago may not only increase visible leadership within the organization, it may also increase the pressure on the Blackhawk's current GM.
With the trade deadline approaching, Davidson will face pivotal decisions, including major moves involving Taylor Hall and Ryan Donato.
If Davidson is not precise with navigating during this crucial period, O'Hearn, with his proven track record, might emerge as a viable alternative to take over the GM role.
This move suggests that Chicago is pushing forward with their rebuild and will take all means necessary towards their goal of becoming a Stanley Cup competitor.
Adding someone at O'Hearn's caliber may be the move to improve not only their hockey operation but also the overall success of the organization.
As of now, O'Hearn will likely assist the Blackhawks' long-term strategy and his presence will be no less than valuable to this organization.
As this rebuild continues, we can expect the pressure to produce results to grow and Davidson's as the Blackhawks GM role may not be as secure as it once seemed.
