Domi had 32 points (nine goals, 23 assists) in 53 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets before being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. He had seven points (two goals, five assists) for Carolina in 19 regular-season games and six points (three goals, three assists) in 14 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He's familiar with Richardson, who was hired June 27. Richardson was assistant with the Canadiens when Domi played for them for two seasons (2018-2020).
"Personally, I hope it works out and I'm there for a long, long time," said Domi, who signed a one-year contract. "But obviously I do understand it's a business and they're trying to do certain things. All you can really do is be a pro every single day, right? Try to bring your best to the rink, be the best teammate you can be and hopefully be the best out there."
As long as Toews and Kane are in the fold, they'll be relied upon on and off the ice. Each is entering the final season of an eight-year contract he signed July 9, 2014. Kane led the Blackhawks with 92 points (26 goals, 66 assists) in 78 games. He's gotten used to having different linemates each season -- he played mainly with DeBrincat last season -- and he'll be doing that again.
Toews, who had 37 points (12 goals, 25 assists) in 71 games, has expressed concern about the rebuild.
"At the end of the day, we're talking about a five-plus year process, according to Kyle Davidson, so that part doesn't sound appealing to me at all," Toews, the Chicago captain, told The Athletic on July 26.
The Blackhawks are trying to regain their winning ways, having won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. Davidson said time will tell what this season brings.
"It's up to the players that are on the ice to determine where that ends up and the coaching staff to put in place a good game plan and strategy each night, so I think it remains to be seen," Davidson said. "When the puck drops, we'll see how things go, but that's why you play the game. You don't determine the standings in September or October. We'll figure that out in April."