Thu May 22 15:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Chicago Blackhawks Name Jeff Blashill Head Coach, Bolstering Coaching Staff**
**CHICAGO – May 22, 2025, 11:12 AM CDT** – The Chicago Blackhawks have officially named Jeff Blashill as their new head coach, ending weeks of speculation since the team dismissed Luke Richardson in December and later interim coach Anders Sorensen completed his term. The announcement was made earlier today, solidifying Blashill’s position as the man tasked with guiding the team out of its rebuilding phase.
Blashill, formerly an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning, brings NHL head coaching experience from his seven-year stint with the Detroit Red Wings. While his record in Detroit was less than stellar (204-261-72), the Blackhawks are banking on his experience and the fact that he will inherit a team in a different phase of development.
“We believe Jeff is the right person to lead this team forward,” said a team spokesperson. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of developing young players.”
In addition to Blashill’s appointment, the Blackhawks have also announced the hiring of Michael Peca as an assistant coach. Peca, previously an assistant with the New York Rangers, will join Sorensen on Blashill’s staff. It is expected that Pittsburgh Penguins assistant Mike Vellucci will also be hired for the final spot. Sorensen is expected to remain with the team in an assistant coaching capacity.
Blashill inherits a team with a promising young core, including Connor Bedard, Oliver Moore, Frank Nazar, Artyom Levshunov, Sam Rinzel, Alex Vlasic, and goaltender Spencer Knight. The Blackhawks also hold the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft and are expected to be aggressive in free agency with nearly $31 million in cap space.
With Blashill’s hiring now official, only three NHL head coaching vacancies remain: the Bruins, Kraken, and Penguins.
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