Blackhawks GM: Toews, Kane have a place in rebuild

The Chicago Blackhawks are in full rebuild mode following a dismal 2021-22 season, calling into question the futures of franchise staples Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

Despite the uncertainty, general manager Kyle Davidson said there's "absolutely" still a spot for the three-time Stanley Cup winners in the Windy City.

"I don't think there's any question about that," Davidson told reporters Tuesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope. "What their roles are and how they fit into things, that's part of the dialogue that we're having."

He added: "Having them around is something we're never going to shy away from because they can show this next wave of players how it's done. And you never know, maybe they could be part of (this) when we're back to having success."

Davidson added the Blackhawks' return to postseason relevancy may be a slow one.

"It's not that we don't want to win as soon as possible," he said. "It's just when you look at the bigger picture, you realize it might take a little longer than (the players) may hope, perhaps."

Toews, who's captained the team since 2008, called for more communication between himself, the coaching staff, and the front office last month amid a losing skid.

Those comments came after Toews was noncommittal on his future with Chicago following the Blackhawks' trade of talented forward Brandon Hagel to the Tampa Bay Lightning prior to the deadline in March.

"Now, all of a sudden, you realize no one on our team is safe, and we could all be going in different directions in the near future - it's pretty discouraging," Toews told The Athletic's Mark Lazerus at the time.

Chicago finished seventh in the Central Division with a 28-42-12 record.

After missing the entirety of the 2020-21 campaign with chronic immune response syndrome, Toews put up 37 points in 71 games this season. Kane had a stellar year, logging 26 goals and 66 assists in 78 contests.

Both players have one season remaining on identical eight-year, $84-million deals.