Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks are coming off a challenging NHL season in which the team fell well short of expectations. In hopes of righting the ship in Chi-town, the organization must find a replacement for Anders Sorensen, who was named as interim head coach following the firing of Luke Richardson. According to recent reports, an under-the-radar candidate might be leading the race.
Coaching Bedard and the rest of the young, promising core in Chicago is an offer few candidates on the coaching market would turn down — and it’s the biggest bargaining chip Kyle Davidson holds in negotiations, as well.
Bedard declined an invitation to join Hockey Canada for the 2025 IIHF World Championship, instead hoping to focus on sharpening his individual skills ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Many believed his decision might also be tied to the Blackhawks’ ongoing coaching search, suggesting he wanted to remain close in case the organization sought his input.
Whether that played a part in Bedard’s decision or not, the 19-year-old stayed in the continent and might now be close to learning who will be his new head coach during the 2025-26 campaign, as Sorensen isn’t expected to be confirmed in his interim role.
Interim head coach Anders Sorensen of the Chicago Blackhawks speaks to the media after losing to the Winnipeg Jets at the United Center on December 07, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Based on reports from Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson interviewed former Detroit Red Wings head coach Jeff Blashill for the head coaching opening in Windy City. According to Seravalli, the Seattle Kraken are also interested in Blashill, potentially setting up a two-horse sweepstakes for the 51-year-old coach.
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Background
Blashill has had only one coaching experience in the NHL, being at the helm of the Red Wings during 7 years from 2015 until 2022. During his tenure in Motor City, Blashill and the Red Wings made the Stanley Cup Playoffs during his first season, yet they were knocked out in the first round.
Blashill and Detroit would go on to miss the postseason in each of the next six seasons—a drought that continued well beyond his firing, as Detroit now endures a nine-year playoff absence.
Jeff Blashill, head coach of the United States looks on during the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Bronze Medal Game game between the United States and Canada at Royal Arena on May 20, 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Blashill made a stronger name for himself during his stints with USA Hockey, guiding the team to a gold medal at the 2009 World Junior A Challenge and a runner-up finish at the 2006 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. He also served as head coach for Team USA at the 2009 World Juniors (U20) and the 2017 IIHF World Championship, though both tournaments ended without a podium finish.
Decisions, decisions
There’s no bona fide candidate who can singlehandedly put the Blackhawks back on their feet upon arrival, which is why Davidson’s decision—regardless of the route he chooses—will be a bold one.
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Bedard and company can afford a misstep at head coach, as Chicago is still far from contending. But for Davidson, nailing this hire is crucial if he wants to buy himself more time. If not, questions will start swirling around the third-year GM (or fourth, if you count his interim stint).
Blashill’s recent history with the Red Wings might not be the most exciting of tales for fans in Chicago to buy into, but perhaps he’s grown from that experience and can help guide the franchise to the next stage of its rebuild in his second go-around in the NHL.