Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz announced Monday afternoon the team had fired President and Chief Executive Officer John McDonough.
According to a local radio station, Wirtz had told the Athletic back in March there would be no front office changes before the start of next season.
“Thirteen years ago, I recruited John to the Blackhawks because of his leadership, direction and vision,” Wirtz said in a statement. “John brought all of that to the table and more. His contributions went well beyond leading the team to three Stanley Cup Championships. He rebuilt the front office and helped guide the organization toward a winning vision,” said Wirtz. “As difficult as this is, we believe it was the right decision for the future of the organization and its fans.”
During McDonough’s time with the Blackhawks, he watched as the Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup Championship since 1961 in 2010. The team went on to win three Stanley Cups in a span of six seasons and were named “Franchise of the Decade” by the NHL back in January of this year.
The Blackhawks record this season was 32-30-8 this season. When the team broke in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they were trailing Nashville by six points for a spot in this year’s playoffs.
Rocky Wirtz first hired McDonough in an effort to improve the public perception of the club in 2007. Daniel Wirtz, who is currently serving as the Vice President of the Chicago Blackhawks and alternative Govenor to the NHL, will serve as President.
