After weeks of speculation, the Chicago Blackhawks have officially named Jeff Blashill as their new head coach.
Blashill has spent the last three seasons as an assistant under Jon Cooper in Tampa Bay, gaining valuable experience following a lengthy tenure as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
Analysis
While some Blackhawks fans may have been hoping for a flashier name like David Carle, Blashill’s hiring deserves a closer look. His time in Detroit often draws criticism, but the context of his tenure tells a deeper story.
Blashill inherited a Red Wings team during a transitional phase, with then-GM Ken Holland making aggressive — and arguably misguided — moves to extend the franchise’s playoff streak. The front office handed out long-term, high-priced contracts to aging veterans like Darren Helm, Frans Nielsen, Thomas Vanek, Luke Glendening, Danny DeKeyser, and Trevor Daley. Blashill, a coach known for developing young talent, was instead tasked with pushing a slow, aging roster into contention — a near-impossible assignment.
In Tampa Bay, Blashill took on a different role, focusing on the team’s defensive systems and special teams. Despite the Lightning not advancing past the first round during his time there, the team maintained strong underlying numbers. In the 2024-25 season, Tampa ranked:
- 5th in power play percentage
- 6th in penalty kill
- 4th in goals allowed
These metrics suggest Blashill brought structure and stability to a roster that had undergone turnover after three straight trips to the Stanley Cup Final.
Final Thoughts
Is this a great hire or a bad one? It’s too early to say. Success as an NHL head coach can hinge on timing, roster fit, and growth. Coaches like Mike Sullivan, Bruce Cassidy, and Scott Arniel all struggled in their first go-arounds before emerging as some of the league’s best.
Blashill now has an opportunity to lead a rebuilding Blackhawks team full of young talent. If given the right support and time, this could be the right environment for him to succeed. There’s reason for cautious optimism in Chicago.
What do you think of the hire? Comment below.
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