Blackhawks Let Crawford Walk
Blackhawks Let Crawford Walk
In a decision that I would like to write that I am surprised by, I wouldn’t be able to do so without lying. Yesterday, Chicago Blackhawks General Manager, Stan Bowman confirmed what everyone has been speculating about in the Windy City since the Blackhawks season came to an official end back on August 18th: Corey Crawford will not be returning.
OFFICIAL: #Blackhawks will not re-sign veteran goaltender Corey Crawford.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 8, 2020
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Bowman told NHL.com, “I had a conversation with Corey earlier [Thursday] and it was an emotional talk. The message to Corey and to everyone is that we’ve decided we have some young goaltenders in Chicago we believe in, much like Corey [in 2010]. We have a couple young goalies in [Kevin] Lankinen and [Collin] Delia who we haven’t given a real opportunity to. With where we’re headed, the NHL is relying more and more on young players. We’re going to embrace that moving forward.”
Crawford was originally selected by the Blackhawks way back in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft, and finishes his Chicago career with a 260-162-53 record, 2.45 GAA, .918 save%, and 26 shutouts. Crawford also helped the Blackhawks capture two Stanley Cups, both in 2013 and 2015.
We can only assume that the 35-year old goaltender was just asking for too much in return from Chicago in contract talks, and Bowman opted to go the younger route. This speculation is further confirmed by Brian La Rose of Pro Hockey Rumors. He reported a week ago that, “While Chicago is believed to be offering between $3.5M and $4M, Crawford’s camp is seeking between $4.5M and $5.5M to re-up. Both of those ranges are below the $6M AAV he played under for the last six years”. Money was always going to be an issue for the Blackhawks, who have been looking to cut payroll where they could the last few seasons, and to see a guy with a history Crawford has had with Chicago fall to that as well is heartbreaking.
A lot of fans are probably glad he’s gone, and a lot of fans are probably very saddened by this like myself. Corey Crawford has a place in Chicago Blackhawks history, and this organization should remember him always for his achievements.
#crOwMG Forever. pic.twitter.com/gLuSq0bJtS
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 8, 2020
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