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Longtime former NHL head coach emerges as 'serious candidate' to take over Blackhawks bench

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated May 17, 2025 9:04 PM ET

Former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill, who has been an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the last 3 years, is a candidate for the Chicago Blackhawks' coaching vacancy.

The Chicago Blackhawks continue their search for their new full time head coach after Anders Sorenson took over on an interim basis from the terminated Luke Richardson in late November.

Sorenson, who had been the head coach of the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, went 17-30-9 as the Blackhawks missed the playoffs; he also earned the distinction of being the 1st Swedish-born head coach in NHL history.

While Sorenson is considered a candidate to be the full time head coach, his realistic chances don't sound promising. As Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson continues his search, one name has emerged as a potential candidate.

Former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill, who wasn't retained by the team after 7 seasons and only a single playoff appearance (2016), has interviewed with Davidson for the position.

After not being retained by the Red Wings, Blashill joined Detroit's divisional foe Tampa Bay Lightning as an assistant coach on good friend Jon Cooper's staff.

ESPN hockey analyst John Buccigross has given his full endorsement for a potential hire of Blashill by the Blackhawks:

Yes. Jeff Blashill has excellent energy, command, and experience. Got the Red Wings job at the WORST time. Everywhere else he's coached he's improved the environment. Won Championship in USHL and AHL. He's smart, self aware and runs a good practice. This is a sweet spot hire for all.

As Detroit's head coach, Blashill went 204-261-72 and only made the playoffs in his 1st year behind the bench, a quick 5-game loss to Cooper and the Lightning.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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