The Chicago Blackhawks will announce today that legendary coach Scotty Bowman as a Senior Advisor. Bowman has won nine Stanley Cups as coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings. Bowman also coached the St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres.

Blackhawks President John McDonough has been associated with hiring big names to helm teams before, as evidenced by the hiring of Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella while he was in the Chicago Cubs' front office.

His experience as both a coach and GM will undoubtedly lead to immediate conjecture as to the job security of both General Manager Dale Tallon and Head coach Denis Savard.

Bowman already has a connection to the Blackhawks organization, as his son Stan is currently an assistant general manager. In fact, Bowman also opened his home to Calder Trophy winner Patrick Kane last season, with the 19-year-old winger living in his basement during the season.

We at HOCKEENIGHT wholeheartedly endorse this move by the Blackhawks, as the infusion of a winning attitude is certainly welcome. Also, the championship experience and hockey acumen that Bowman brings to the organization is unparalleled.

While we also hope that both Tallon and Savard have every opportunity to excel in their jobs this season, it is certainly a cause for optimism to know that the most successful coach in NHL history (1,244 wins, 9 Cups) is available as a Plan "B".

This is also the latest step by Rocky Wirtz and John McDonough to ensure the Blackhawks quickly emerge as an elite franchise in the NHL.

Welcome aboard, Scotty.