\n<\/p>\n
Kyle Davidson has learned not to set specific expectations for specific seasons.<\/p>\n
Two years ago, the Blackhawks<\/a> general manager made that mistake while looking ahead to 2024-25, declaring: \u201cIt\u2019s time to take a step forward. Previous to this year, we finished third-last. This year, we finished second-last. That can\u2019t happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hawks, in fact, did finish second-last again. Then they finished second-last again in the just-concluded 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n Screenshots of that Davidson quote were re-circulated this week by the impatient portion of the Hawks\u2019 fan base, citing it as evidence of Davidson failing his own goals and not deserving his new contract extension.<\/p>\n Davidson\u2019s job security remains strong, despite the fan frustration. But he avoided setting the same trap for himself during his end-of-season news conference Thursday, using vaguer language while still expressing a general need for improvement.<\/p>\n (Davidson can also point to points, which have increased from 52 to 61 to 72 over the last three seasons, as evidence that steps forward actually have been taken, just not reflected in the standings.)<\/p>\n Hawks players, however, did not exercise the same caution. They were blunt \u2014 and ambitious \u2014 with their goals for 2026-27.<\/p>\n \u201cGoing into next season, playoffs are the expectation,\u201d Alex Vlasic said. \u201cWe\u2019re not here to do this again. And we all know that in the locker room. We have confidence in our group. Going into the summer, we\u2019re all excited about coming back here next year and really making a push.\u201d<\/p>\n Player after player stood at a podium and uttered similar versions of that statement.<\/p>\n \u201cThis kind of has to be the last year of…not playing until the end of the year, [not] playing for something in the playoff standings,\u201d Connor Bedard<\/a> said.<\/p>\n \u201cYou saw that for the first half of the year. We were in that spot. And then…we slid a little bit. As my production went down, I feel responsible for that, which adds motivation. I think all our guys are ready to make that push.\u201d<\/p>\n Indeed, the Hawks were in a spot on Nov. 18 this season after their 10-5-4 start, and they briefly pulled back within three points of a spot on Jan. 10 (while Bedard was injured). That feels like a different universe now, though.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re ready to take that step,\u201d Ryan Donato said. \u201cThe difference is really small, but the work you have to put in [to overcome] that difference is really big. Guys know that and are hungry and excited to prove that next season.\u201d<\/p>\n Said Spencer Knight: \u201cI hope we continue to grow and our mindset…starts to be, \u2018Hey, we\u2019re not just trying to be a collective group of players in the NHL. We\u2019re trying to be a legitimate team in this league.\u2019 That\u2019s probably going to start next year.\u201d<\/p>\n Players expressed the same things in their exit interviews with Davidson, which he enjoyed hearing.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve gone through these the last number of years where it\u2019s a little more skeptical,\u201d Davidson said. \u201cThis felt different. This felt a lot more excitement and positivity.\u201d<\/p>\n Personally, he seems skeptical about a playoffs-or-bust mindset. The Hawks just finished 18 points out in a weak year for the Western Conference. They would likely need to improve by 20-plus points next season to squeeze in.<\/p>\n But the fans deserve<\/a> competitive hockey, and objectively it is Davidson\u2019s job to give it to them as soon as possible. He would be thrilled by a breakthrough<\/a> next season.<\/p>\n \u201cThe players are very motivated to make sure that we\u2019re pushing for the playoffs next year,\u201d Davidson said. \u201cThat is a goal we believe they should come in a training camp trying to achieve. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s something that would require a major step forward. But the group is motivated and talented enough that we feel it\u2019s not unrealistic to expect that.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n