‘Red Wings leftovers’: Chicago Blackhawks reported coaching choice is turning heads

Per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, it appears the Blackhawks’ search is ending and Blashill is the guy to beat.

“The Blackhawks’ coaching search quickly has changed from one of complete mystery into potentially near-complete,” Pope wrote. “Jeff Blashill has emerged as the leading candidate. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Monday that Blashill is a ‘’very serious contender’ but that nothing has been finalized yet.”

At 51, Blashill has one previous experience as a head coach in the NHL. The Detroit native was the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 2015-2022. He went 204-261-72 during his seven years with the Red Wings.

Detroit made the postseason once under Blashill in 2016, but lost 4-1 in the first round to the Tampa Bay Lightning. After his first season with the team, the Red Wings did not finish higher than fifth place in the Atlantic Division.

Blackhawks fans are underwhelmed by Jeff Blashill

Fans on social media were underwhelmed with the news that Blashill was expected to become the next head coach of the Blackhawks.

“Blashill is Red Wings leftovers and I’m tired of pretending he’s not,” posted a fan.

“Well I guess we can expect to continue our losing ways,” wrote another.

“We were looking for a homerun hire and settled for a bunt,” believes a commenter.

“Another placeholder for an unserious front office,” argued a fan.

“It’s the Hawks way under Danny Boy,” suggested a fan about general manager Kyle Davidson.

“Two positives: Despite the record he was in Detroit 7 years. Average NHL Zcoach lasts 2.4. He must have been doing something right. 2. He has been under Jon Cooper. I think he is as good as anyone else and can help this team get better,” believes a poster who likes the move.