They went there.
The Chicago Blackhawks, in a message to fans via Twitter, used the r-word when discussing the future.
Rebuilding.
For fans of a franchise that won three Stanley Cups in a five-year stretch as recently as 2010-15, it's a disheartening state of affairs. And for the handful of veterans—namely Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook—who have hung around since playing vital roles in securing those championship banners, it might be even worse: grounds for divorce, perhaps.
The Blackhawks have already said goodbye to two "popular, two-time champions" this offseason, sending forward Brandon Saad to the Colorado Avalanche in a trade and allowing goaltender Corey Crawford to exit via free agency and ultimately sign with the New Jersey Devils.