In July 1938, Chicago GM and vice-president Bill Tobin was named president of the club by Major McLaughlin.
[1] The Montreal Maroons announced they would be folding, leaving the NHL with 7 teams, thus eliminating the need for divisions.
The Hawks would struggle under Thompson, going 4–18–5, and finish in last place in the NHL, missing the playoffs for the 2nd time in 3 years.
Earl Seibert would anchor the defense, scoring 15 points and having a team high 57 penalty minutes.
In goal, Mike Karakas would be the starter, winning 12 games, earning 5 shutouts, and posting a GAA of 2.65.