After 13 years at the helm of the Blackhawks’ rise, Stanley Cup dynasty and recent downturn, John McDonough has been fired from his role as the franchise’s president and CEO.
The shocking news, announced by the Hawks on Monday afternoon, signifies a monumental directional shift in the franchise’s approach to its post-dynasty era.
“It will take a new mindset to successfully transition the organization to win both on and off the ice,” chairman Rocky Wirtz said in a statement. “As difficult as this is, we believe it was the right decision for the future of the organization and its fans.”
Danny Wirtz, previously the Hawks’ vice president, will serve as the interim president.
But the Hawks will nonetheless immediately begin the search for a new president, even while the 2019-20 NHL season remains paused and uncertain due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This story will be updated.
