Blackhawks Forwards Unleashes Frustration With Head Coach Anders Sorensen During Interview
Photo credit: NHL.COM
Philipp Kurashev goes from leading scorer to press box for the Chicago Blackhawks following head coach Anders Sorensen's arrival, and also from former head coach Luke Richardson.
After a breakout season in 2023-24, Philipp Kurashev showcased his worth as a former NHL draft pick of the Blackhawks, registering a 54-point season- at 25 years of age, nobody expected Kurashev to fall off.
Kurashev even had a strong relationship with Anders Sorensen from both their times in the AHL with the Rockford IceHogs in 2019-20, which seemed as though Kurashev would benefit from a spark with the teams new head coach- but it actually made things worse.
Even the arrival of interim coach Anders Sorensen, whose offense-friendly approach and preexisting relationship with Kurashev (from his time in Rockford in 2019-20) seemed like it might provide the spark, has not improved the situation and actually made it worse.
Described by Chicago Blackhawks team reporter Ben Pope , it's now a 'Kurashev crisis' anymore, it is now a Kurashev catastrophe at this point.
At 25 years of age, born in Switzerland, he is entering his fifth NHL season, with a disappointing five points in thrity games so far, compared to his 54 in 75 games last season. The Blackhawks have been outscored 24-4 with Kurashev on the ice, a-near unbelievable pace, deeming Kurashev as one of the worst forwards in the entire league.
What is Kurashev's issue with his NHL performances, is AHL time needed? A change of scenery with a trade, well Kurashev was asked and he had a lot to say, as did head coach Anders Sorensen.
«Him and I had some conversations about what he needs to do, and we'll keep that between us,» Sorensen stated. «We feel like we have better options [for the lineup] at this date. But it changes quick, right? So [he needs to] just be ready.»
The Blackhawks will need to pay Kurashev his qualifying offer of $2,25 million this off-season as he is a restricted free agent, seeming so that his days in Chicago are numbered- unless he can channel his inner Connor McDavid and go on a scoring tear.
«At this point, I can't control anything,» Kurashev stated. «All I can do is control how I approach every day. I want to get better every day.
I'll make sure I'll be ready for whenever that opportunity comes. That's my mindset. I'm not thinking too far [ahead about] next year or whatever. I'm here right now, and [I'll] try to get through this.»
I'll make sure I'll be ready for whenever that opportunity comes. That's my mindset. I'm not thinking too far [ahead about] next year or whatever. I'm here right now, and [I'll] try to get through this.»
Kurashev then followed up with a more angry comment, showing emotions and unleashing them to the Blackhawks media.
«I know what I can do. It's not about my confidence. It's more just a little frustrating. It's hard not to be playing and just practicing and missing time away from the team, as well. It's not fun.»
This seems like growing tension in Chicago, and a saddened ending for forward Philipp Kurashev.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 9 | 219 ANSWERS Blackhawks Forwards Unleashes Frustration With Head Coach Anders Sorensen During Interview What would you do if you were the general manager for the Chicago Blackhawks? | ||
| Get a new head coach | 69 | 31.5 % |
| Send Philipp Kurashev to the AHL | 40 | 18.3 % |
| Trade Philipp Kurashev | 53 | 24.2 % |
| Put him on a live with Connor Bedard | 57 | 26 % |
| List of polls | ||
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
