Blackhawks: Bobby Hull Tribute, Broadcast News, and More

Following the NHL All-Star break, the Blackhawks released a number of news bits on Monday.

The NHL All-Star break is in the rearview mirror and the NHL is ready to get started with the season's second half. As for the Chicago Blackhawks, they are back in action on Tuesday, February 7 as they host the Anaheim Ducks at the United Center. However, on Monday, the team released some important news about some happenings within and around the organization. 

Bobby Hull Tribute

According to Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz, the Blackhawks will honor the late Bobby Hull with a moment or silence and tribute video on Tuesday. There was a lot of speculation, even within our very own Four Feathers Podcast, about what the Blackhawks would do following Hull's death. Although the Golden Jet was an ambassador for the Hawks, his rough off-ice legacy was something that has been very controversial in many facets of the fanbase. 

That said, the Blackhawks will honor No. 9 with a moment of silence and tribute video. The Winnipeg Jets had a similar moment for Hull during their first home game following his death, as Hull was a staple in Winnipeg with the original Jets during the WHA days. 

The Broadcast Team: Changes Coming?

Via Chicago Sun-Times' Ben Pope, the Blackhawks have shared news on the broadcasting front heading into next season. For starters, play-by-play announcer Chris Vosters will remain in his role with the organization, and has received "great feedback". What that feedback is specifically is unknown, but it is no secret that he has received a lot of criticism from the fanbase regarding recent calls. 

The Vosters situation is indeed an interesting one. Although he has the makings of a strong play-by-play name and voice for the future, there are still some things he can work on. One simple thing is his knowledge of the game and the Blackhawks' history. Vosters received a lot of criticism for saying a goal against the Flyers that went top shelf was similar to Patrick Kane's game-winning goal in the Stanley Cup Final in 2010 (if you know, you know). 

In addition, the Blackhawks are discussing the color analyst situation for next season. This year has been a rotation with Troy Murray and Patrick Sharp, so conversations may include getting Troy back on radio more and Sharp on television more. Who knows, but it appears changes of some magnitude are coming there. 

Pope's final point via Jamie Faulkner was that there will be changes "in studio". However, this does not mean personnel will change, but rather their roles. Pope highlights Scott Darling as one of those candidates, as the organization wants to give Darling more chances to share his talents with the audience. They believe he was misused this season as an analyst. 

Rather than personnel changing in the 2023-24 season, role revision will occur in order to conform with the team's vision. Truthfully, the most exciting part might be the role that Scott Darling assumes as they get set to better use his talents. 

What's On Tap Next?

While Monday's news is both short and long term in nature, Blackhawks fans will see the Bobby Hull tribute when the team returns to the ice on Tuesday against the Ducks. Puck drop from the United Center is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST. 

Following Tuesday's game, the Blackhawks remain at home as they wait for the Arizona Coyotes to come to town on Friday, February 10. That game will also be a 7:30 p.m. CST start.