Jeff Blashill was formally introduced was the 42nd head coach in franchise history on Tuesday morning in front of assembled media inside the United Center Atrium.
Blashill said a lot of the things expected of a head coach who’s speaking publicly for the first time since being hired, starting with the reasons why he wanted this role:
Blashill: “For me, this job, at this moment, with this team, was the exact job I wanted.”
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) May 27, 2025
“The scouts here have done an excellent job. We have a number of great young players… We have an opportunity to have depth at every position and potential superstars at every position, and…
He also asked about the development of one specific player who’s decently important for this whole Blackhawks rebuild:
Blashill on Connor Bedard: "Connor’s going to get to another level. I don’t think there’s any question. Because like other superstars in this league, he has the drive and want."
— Ben Pope (@BenPopeCST) May 27, 2025
He wants Bedard to work on creating more separation and space in the O-zone, as well as "winning…
When asked what he thinks about a potential timeline for this Blackhawks rebuild, Blashill deftly worked around committing himself to any specific length of time:
Blashill asked how long it will take to become a contender: "Is that my 'Welcome to Chicago' moment?…I can't put a timeline on it…I won't rush the process. I believe in the process…you have to make sure you have a winning culture in place, once it is, the winning takes care of itself."
— CHGO Blackhawks (@chgo-blackhawks.bsky.social) May 27, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Also, here’s some confirmation from Blashill regarding his coaching staff:
Jeff Blashill confirms Anders Sorensen will remain on the NHL staff as an assistant coach and Michael Peca has been hired as an assistant. Jimmy Waite will also stay on as the goaltending coach.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) May 27, 2025
He said they’re close to finalizing the entire coaching staff. #Blackhawks
Here’s the full press conference from the Blackhawks’ YouTube channel:
And here’s a special recording of the Musings on Madison podcast featuring yours truly alongside Eric Gegenheimer just minutes after leaving the building!