Blackhawks Head Coach List Expands To Six Candidates
PUBLICATION
Ryan Hall
December 18, 2024 (11:05 PM)
Photo credit: Chicago Hockey Now
It's been an eventful time for the Chicago Blackhawks organization after they had relieved former head coach Luke Richardson of his duties which has led to an expansive list to six potential candidates to replace him.
General manager Kyle Davidson chose to promote Rockford ice hogs head coach Anders Sorensen to interim head coach as he auditions for the job and gives Davidson a chance to see if he can help
Connor Bedard grow his game.
One of the main issues with Luke Richardson was the fact that Bedard's game began to regress and fans along with the franchise was witnessing the erosion of confidence for Bedard which cannot happen as the team wants to push forward.
Sorensen leads the pack of who would land this position as he has strong experience coaching young players as he has been coaching the Blackhawks prospects.
He also holds an advantage that he has been with the organization for some time and has a familiarity with who has been selected in the draft. He is certainly on the short list for Davidson.
Another former head coach is Jay Woodcroft. Woodcroft has extensive experience with many NHL organizations including the Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks and the Edmonton Oilers.
He had spent many years with the Oilers and wore many hats including the assistant coach, head coach of the Bakersfield Condors and head coach of the Oilers.
He also has coached one of the best players of all time in hockey in
Connor McDavid and took the Oilers to the conference final in his first year.
Unfortunately, his time came to an end, and he is now currently an unrestricted coach.
Other coaches that come to mind include Bruce Boudreau who is the former head coach of the Vancouver Canucks and the Minnesota Wild.
He had an untimely demise with the Canucks as the organization decided to go a separate way with Rick Tocchet.
Don Granato and Todd McLellan both have coached young squads as Granato was with the Buffalo Sabres and McLellan had been the coach of the Oilers, Los Angeles Kings to name a few.
No matter the case, the Blackhawks and Davidson will take their time and evaluate whether Sorensen is the right fit or should they look elsewhere for an external candidate which clearly has many to choose from.
There may be other choices that could be on the horizon as the season comes to an end so all options are on the table.
Previously on HawksInsider
POLL |
DECEMBRE 18 | 227 ANSWERS Blackhawks Head Coach List Expands To Six Candidates Who would you choose as head coach of the Blackhawks? |
Anders Sorensen | 100 | 44.1 % |
Jay Woodcroft | 23 | 10.1 % |
Bruce Boudreau | 72 | 31.7 % |
Todd McLellan | 32 | 14.1 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Sam Walker Blackhawks' Seth Jones Attends Dinner With Another Team Amidst Trade Discussions |
|
2 hours ago | By Alixandrea Gearey Blackhawks Unveil Major Star-Studded Addition to 2025-26 Seasons Roster |
|
15 hours ago | By Alixandrea Gearey Singer Who Butchered the Canadian National Anthem Faces Backlash; Famous Husband Heavily Criticized |
|
17 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Patrick Kane Gets Demoted By The Detroit Red Wings |
|
19 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds Team USA's Biggest Mistake at 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament Revealed |
|
20 hours ago | By Joshua Deeds The Blackhawks Have a Special Prospect Who Just Hit The 60-Goal Mark In The OHL |
|
21 hours ago | By Sam Walker Patrick Kane Reflects on Not Making Team USA for 4 Nations Faceoff: Does He Deserve a Spot Next Year? |
|
23 hours ago | By Alixandrea Gearey Anders Sorensen Rips Into The Blackhawks During First Practice After 4 Nations Face-Off Break |