Rebuilding Blackhawks hire Blashill as head coach

Published: Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 4:35 pm

Blackhawks Hire Jeff Blashill as Head Coach to Lead Rebuild

The Chicago Blackhawks have named Jeff Blashill as their new head coach, the team announced on Thursday. This move marks a significant step in the franchise's ongoing rebuilding process, replacing interim coach Anders Sorenson, who took over after Luke Richardson was fired earlier in the 2024-25 season.

Blashill, 51, brings a wealth of experience to the Blackhawks. He most recently served as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning under Jon Cooper for three seasons. Prior to that, he was the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 2015 to 2022, where he oversaw a lengthy rebuilding phase. While he led the Red Wings to the playoffs in his first year, the team struggled to find consistent success, and he was ultimately let go after six consecutive seasons outside the playoff picture. His overall record with Detroit was 204-261-72.

The Blackhawks are hoping Blashill's experience in developing young players will be a valuable asset. Since Joel Quenneville's departure in 2018, the team has seen a revolving door of head coaches. General Manager Kyle Davidson highlighted Blashill's developmental background and his ability to blend that with team success as key factors in the decision. The Blackhawks have been focused on rebuilding through the NHL draft, including selecting Connor Bedard first overall in 2023. The team has finished near the bottom of the league standings in recent seasons.

BNN's Perspective: Hiring Blashill seems like a logical move for the Blackhawks. His experience in Detroit, while not always successful in terms of wins and losses, provides him with valuable insights into the challenges of a rebuild. The Blackhawks are clearly prioritizing player development and patience, and Blashill's background aligns well with that strategy. While it may take time, the team is setting itself up for long-term success.

Keywords: Chicago Blackhawks, Jeff Blashill, head coach, NHL, rebuild, coaching hire, Anders Sorenson, Luke Richardson, Detroit Red Wings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Jon Cooper, Kyle Davidson, Connor Bedard, hockey, NHL draft, rebuilding process, player development.

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