Chicago was pretty fond of Patrick Sharp, and Sharp was pretty fond of Chicago. There has been a large outpouring of love between the two in the wake of the trade that sent Sharp to the Dallas Stars for Trevor Daley.
Sharp took out a full page in the Sunday Chicago Tribune thanking fans for their support:
Second City Hockey has had quite a bit to say about Sharp too. Their career retrospective is worth a read despite being sad.
He could see his number hoisted up into the rafters as a result. He’s certainly deserving. But whether or not that happens, Sharp is a guy that will be back and will be remembered and appreciated, not only for his sensational looks, but what he has brought to this team in his decade in Chicago. He’s gone for now, and it’ll likely hurt to see him sporting a new sweater in 2015-16 and beyond, but he’ll be back. And Blackhawks fans can take solace in that.
Satchel Price of Second City Hockey covered his favorite memories of Sharp as a Blackhawk. It includes this ridiculous video:
Blackhawks players showed their support too. Patrick Kane seems upset.
Gonna miss my big brother and one of my best friends @10PSharp #Blackhawks
— Patrick Kane (@88PKane) July 11, 2015
Stan Bowman, the man who pulled the trigger, basically apologized to Blackhawks fans for the trade via Twitter:
VP/GM Stan Bowman: “On behalf of the entire organization I’d like to thank Patrick for all that he helped our franchise accomplish.”
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015
VP/GM Stan Bowman: “He was one of our leaders on the ice, most notably as an alternate captain for several seasons, as well as off the ice.”
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015
VP/GM Stan Bowman: “He was one of our leaders on the ice, most notably as an alternate captain for several seasons, as well as off the ice.”
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015
VP/GM Stan Bowman: “He was one of our leaders on the ice, most notably as an alternate captain for several seasons, as well as off the ice.”
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015
VP/GM Stan Bowman: “He will forever be a Blackhawk and we wish him and his family nothing but the best in Dallas and beyond.”
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015
VP/GM Bowman: “[Sharp’s] been a huge part of our team. He’s a class act on and off the ice. We’re going to miss him.”
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 11, 2015
That reads like a eulogy.
The salary cap has caused some pain in Chicago. Beloved son Sharp is now gone, and everyone involved seems to be pretty deeply sad about it. People in Chicago seemed to really love Sharp. Their loss is the Stars gain.
It remains to be seen how Sharp will fit in Dallas, but if the outpouring of support from Chicago is any indication he will be a fan favorite here in no time.
And hey, at least now the bandwagon Blackhawks fans that invade the AAC will have someone on the Stars to cheer for.