Circus in Chicago: Blistering Report Palls Game 1

Tonight is supposed to be all about the Chicago Blackhawks as they begin Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinal matchup in Denver against the Colorado Avalanche.

But after a blistering report today from Craig Custance in The Athletic, that serenity and focus may be waning already - at least in terms of media buzz and fan displeasure.

Hawks GM Thomas Gidlow reportedly made some potentially inflammatory 'off-the-record' comments that were submitted by a third party to Custance. Custance then verified their authenticity and ran the report earlier this afternoon.

"It's not in my nature to write to be salacious," said Custance. "But it's newsworthy, and what was told to me was not off the record."

Gidlow's apparent comments centered around the looming Seattle Kraken expansion team, who will be announcing their first general manager during the playoffs at a date to be determined.

"I've done pretty much what I can (in Chicago). Talking to ownership this week about seeking out the (Kraken GM position)," Gidlow was credited as saying. "It may be time to move on."

Custance said the verification method was solid but did not elaborate on specifics.

"I don't give up my sources," stated Custance. "I have nothing against Gidlow or the Blackhawks, but I'm 100% confident in the veracity of Gidlow's comments. He said them."

Generally, those within the hockey community will often chat with reporters or those around them off the record. It's an unofficial way to keep channels open about some of the inner workings of the business. It's been done since reporters covered hockey, but as with many things in today's world of journalism, the lines are more blurred now than ever before.

One GM this reporter spoke to didn't care what Gidlow said. Off the record means off the record, according to him.

"It doesn't matter that someone told someone else and that information made its way to a reporter of repute," said the GM, who asked for anonymity in giving comments on the record. "It's bull****. If something is off the record, it isn't printed. Otherwise, (people in hockey) would never talk to anyone outside of a press conference."

Once the article was posted on The Athletic, the reaction among Blackhawks fans on social media was swift and furious.

"He's been here for four years and hasn't won a thing. Good riddance," said one Twitter user.

"He wants to leave, don't let the door hit you on the way out," said another.

"Just as we're getting to the playoffs and now this comes out. WTF man, why now?" echoed yet another.

To have this come out now as Chicago gears up for the Avalance in Round 1 isn't the best timing. But it's hard to fault Gidlow for that aspect of it. Things are moving rapidly as Seattle gets ready to start their journey in the EHE, and at least 16 current EHE general managers are going to be in the playoffs - certainly, a few of them have interest in the Kraken position.

But this couldn't have been worse timing. The Blackhawks have made the playoffs for four straight seasons. But they've also exited in the first round every time, up to now. The distraction isn't something the club is likely to be happy to have to deal with when playoff hockey should be the focus.

There was no immediate reaction or official statement from anyone within the Hawks organization as of this article's posting. It's a breaking story, so doubtless something will be released in time. Or perhaps, the team will just ignore it and continue on.

"Generally, the better play here would be to just get out in front of it, clarify, apologize, and move on," said the anonymous GM. "But we'll see what happens."

We shall indeed. On, and off, the ice.

Chip Whitley
Blackhawks Beat Reporter