Blackhawks tab Jeff Blashill as head coach

Published: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:33 pm

Blackhawks Name Jeff Blashill as New Head Coach, Aiming for a Turnaround

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced Jeff Blashill as their new head coach, hoping to inject fresh energy into a team struggling to regain its former glory. The hiring, announced Thursday, marks a significant move for the franchise, which has been searching for a leader to guide them back to playoff contention.

Blashill, 51, brings a wealth of experience to the role, including seven seasons as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings (2015-2022). While his record with the Red Wings was 204-261-72, he also spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team known for its consistent playoff success. This experience, combined with his background coaching in developmental leagues and internationally with Team USA, makes him an intriguing choice for the Blackhawks.

General Manager Kyle Davidson highlighted Blashill's ability to develop young players and blend that with overall team success as key factors in the decision. The Blackhawks are currently in a rebuilding phase, and with two first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, they are clearly looking to build a strong foundation for the future. Blashill replaces Anders Sorensen, who served as interim coach after Luke Richardson was fired in December. Richardson's tenure saw the team struggle, and the Blackhawks have missed the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons. The team last won a playoff series in 2015, when they won the Stanley Cup.

BNN's Perspective:

The hiring of Jeff Blashill seems like a calculated move by the Blackhawks. While his record with the Red Wings wasn't stellar, his recent experience with the Lightning and his proven ability to develop young talent could be exactly what this team needs. The Blackhawks are clearly in a rebuilding phase, and Blashill's experience in both developing players and navigating the NHL landscape could be a valuable asset. The team's future hinges on the success of their draft picks and Blashill's ability to cultivate a winning culture.

Keywords:

Chicago Blackhawks, Jeff Blashill, head coach, NHL, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Kyle Davidson, Anders Sorensen, Luke Richardson, hockey, coaching, playoffs, rebuild, draft, 2025 NHL Draft, Stanley Cup

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