Blackhawks can’t afford to repeat the rebuild mistakes haunting Detroit and Buffalo

Okay, so I've recently made some 'way too early' bold predictions for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025-26. Maybe they'll come into fruition, and maybe they won't. But either way, I've stated why the Hawks could at least look respectable this season, and why Connor Bedard may finally break the 75-plus point barrier.

And if the Hawks play better than advertised this year, or even if it doesn't happen until 2026-27, they need to take advantage of that eventual better play. In so many ways, this rebuild reminds me of the 'Yzerplan' in Detroit, or what Kevyn Adams tried doing in Buffalo.

The results? Stagnant at best. Over the past two seasons, the Red Wings were right there, ready to end their playoff drought. Then Steve Yzerman decided he didn't want to dramatically improve the team, stubbornly sticking to his original vision.

That would've been a great idea if the Wings didn't just barely miss out on the playoffs in 2023-24. But Yzerman paid the price last year when the team suffered a late-season meltdown after he barely did anything at the trade deadline. And right now, I don't have much faith in the Wings.

Kevyn Adams didn't do Blackhawks fans any favors - or did he?

Because Kevyn Adams traded JJ Peterka to the Hawks division rivals, the Utah Mammoth, he didn't do the Hawks or their fans any favors. Peterka's a borderline superstar and he traded him for mid-tier talent.

But Adams also gave Hawks fans a lesson in what Kyle Davidson cannot do if and when he turns this team into at least a respectable squad: Don't flub the next steps of your rebuild.

Since they finished one point outside of breaking their playoff drought in 2022-23, the Sabres drifted back into irrelevance. And it doesn't look like legendary coach Lindy Ruff's saving the situation. If I were him, I'd resign and retire before dealing with a team that looks even worse on paper.

How Adams messed this up when it was running so smoothly is hardly a mystery. He never tried bringing a game-changer to town. One that could've been the missing piece in 2023-24. Instead, he kept virtually the same team together while adding solid, but not playoff-caliber talent. Now, it wouldn't surprise me if Buffalo wins the Gavin McKenna sweepstakes.

The 'Davidsonplan' shouldn't try to mimic the 'Yzerplan'

I'll credit Steve Yzerman for going against scrutiny and sticking to his plan. But it doesn't mean it's a bright idea. One year after the Sabres came close to ending their playoff drought, the Wings nearly ended theirs.

That should've been a signal for Steve Yzerman, but he's proven himself incapable of luring in big-name talent. There could be many reasons for that, but Davidson, under no circumstances, should avoid adding legitimate, game-changing talent from outside the organization if he sees an opportunity.

I'm all for building through the draft and solidifying a core. That needs to be done in most sports. But at some point, when you're competing well and winning games, you need to add outside talent that will take your team to the next level. Yzerman has yet to figure that out (mostly) and Adams has never figured it out. Davidson can't repeat their mistakes.

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