Player speaks out: Another scandal from the Chicago Blackhawks organization emerges in 2016

In the book, Tootoo detailed a conversation with Bowman where he made it clear that he would not accept a move to the AHL, insisting on staying in the NHL. His reasoning stemmed from personal matters as his wife was pregnant, and Tootoo expressed a reluctance to uproot his family.

To navigate this, he suggested being placed on long-term injury reserve (LTIR) to Bowman stated.

According to Tootoo, Bowman agreed to this plan, advising him to get an MRI on his shoulder, which would serve as a plausible excuse/reason for the move to LTIR. While this arrangement may have suited Tootoo's personal circumstances, it raises concerns about manipulation of the NHL salary cap, a sentiment echoed by frustrated fans on social media.

Tootoo recounted complying with the plan, attending one pregame skate in Rockford to fulfill the appearance requirement, and then going on long-term IR for the remainder of the season, remaining on payroll, but not the Blackhawks. Tootoo was not contacted by anybody for the remainder of the year on his deal, not to check in on his mental health, family life with his newborn or how things were..

This revelation adds another layer to the complexities surrounding the Blackhawks during that period. Several NHL fans/analysts have spoken out, showing their discontent for this eery situation: