Top Coaching Candidates for The Chicago Blackhawks

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Sam Walker
April 17, 2022 (1:15 PM)

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The Blackhawks have been struggling brutally this season, just breaking through a 8 game losing streak coached by Derek King.

Derek King has been a bad mentor to the Chicago Blackhawks as mentioned before, you can count on one hand how many times he has taken accountability for the Blackhawks struggles. As well as throwing multiple players under the bus, not helping their morale. Derek King who has only coached minor league teams in the past, how is he supposed to coach a whole rebuild from ground up?

It seems as if he is not returning as the Chicago Blackhawks head coach next season, as many think he should not. Let's take a look at the coaching candidates available that may fit the Blackhawks:

1. Mike Babcock:

Mike Babcock is ranked 9th overall in all time wins throughout the entire NHL. He has been out of a coaching job since 2019 when Babcock was fired by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since, he has been defensive when asked about verbal abuse that was brought forward from Leafs players. If Babcock has been more leveled headed and can overcome his actions in the past, he would be a great fit to get the Blackhawks young core going.

2. Claude Julien:

In 2021 Claude Julien was oddly fired from the Montreal Canadiens, the coaching was not the issues, aside from in small categories. Under Claude Julien the Canadiens were the best team in the league for even strength goals, they struggled on special teams (power play, penalty kill) but it was odd that he was fired as usually each team has their own special teams coach separately from the head coach. With Juliens multiple years and veteran coaching with the NHL, he would be a great fit. Comparing to Derek King who has only coached minor league teams in the past, how is he supposed to coach a whole rebuild from ground up?

3. Bob Boughner:

Boughner has spent 15 total years as a NHL coach, and the majority of his success comes from the OHL (one of the top player developing leagues). Boughner won coach of the year in the OHL in the prior 2008 as well as 2009 season alongside his two league winning memorial cup championships. The experience coaching developing prospects may be a key tool for the Blackhawks if they plan to rebuild around their rookies.