Blackhawks name Kyle Davidson permanent GM
The Chicago Blackhawks have named Kyle Davidson the 10th general manager in franchise history, the team announced Tuesday.
Davidson had served as the team's interim general manager since October. He assumed the role after Stan Bowman stepped down following the conclusion of an independent investigation into former video coach Brad Aldrich's alleged sexual assault of Kyle Beach in 2010.
"We have a vision here for the future of Blackhawks hockey, and today we are a step closer to that coming together," Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz said. "As an organization, we know we have a lot of work to do on and off the ice, and Kyle is the leader we trust to oversee our hockey operations."
The Blackhawks interviewed a variety of other candidates, including ex-Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli, Carolina Hurricanes assistant GM Eric Tulsky, Tampa Bay Lightning director of hockey operations Mathieu Darche, former Montreal Canadiens assistant GM Scott Mellanby, and Chicago Cubs assistant GM Jeff Greenberg.
"The thorough process we undertook affirmed much of what we believed we had in Kyle, and he stepped up to lead and make tough decisions during his time in the interim role," Wirtz added. "He without a doubt met every qualification we were looking for, is passionate about the game, and represents the high character across everything we do."
Chicago finished its evaluation process Thursday and aimed to fill the role on a full-time basis by the March 21 trade deadline. Former players Eddie Olczyk, Marian Hossa, and Patrick Sharp were enlisted to help its search.
Davidson, 33, is the youngest general manager in Blackhawks history. He's been involved with the organization since 2010 in a variety of capacities and was promoted to assistant general manager in 2019.
Despite his interim tag, Davidson oversaw the Blackhawks' coaching change that brought Derek King in to replace Jeremy Colliton earlier this season.
Following the switch behind the bench, Wirtz said Davidson had the team's "full confidence and autonomy to make hockey decisions."
The Blackhawks sit seventh in the Central Division with a record of 19-27-8.