The Chicago Blackhawks are currently gearing up for the start of NHL free agency on Friday, but there is a non-roster spot that they are going to have to fill as well.
That's because goaltenders coach Stephane Waite, who had been with the team for 10 years, left the club on Thursday morning and joined the coaching staff of the Montreal Canadiens.
Waite was given a lion's share of the credit for the development of Hawks goaltender Corey Crawford, and also had a hand in the blossoming of Antti Niemi, who won the 2010 Stanley Cup championship with the Hawks.
Here is GM Stan Bowman's statement regarding Waite's departure from the organization:
"We would like to thank Stephane for his 10 years of service with the Blackhawks organization and the quality of work he put in with many goaltenders over that period of time. We wish him and his family the best in his new position."
There was no immediate word on a successor for Waite, but we will keep you updated as the search begins for his replacement.
