May 19, 2025 | 2:31pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

BLASHILL ON BLACKHAWKS, KRAKEN RADARS

Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Blashill

As the Chicago Blackhawks and Seattle Kraken continue each of their searches for a new Head Coach, former Detroit Red Wings bench boss and current Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Blashill appears to be atop both of their lists.

Blashill is believed to have interviewed for both vacancies and as TFP’s David Pagnotta reported May 1 on “The Latest,” fellow Lightning assistant coach Jeff Halpern has also attracted interest.

It is unclear when the Blackhawks and Kraken plan on making their decisions, though ESPN’s John Buccigross reported via X on Saturday to “book it” that Blashill will take over in Chicago.

In seven seasons as the Red Wings head coach from 2015-16 through 2021-22, Blashill compiled a record of 163-231-61, making the playoffs just once in his first season.

Prior to taking over as Detroit’s coach, he led the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins to a championship in 2013 and made the playoffs in the next two seasons.

Washington Capitals assistant coaches Kirk Muller and Mitch Love are also believed to be under consideration for some of the coaching positions out there, as well.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are among the teams that have spoken to Love, as well as former Ottawa Senators head coach and current Los Angeles Kings assistant coach D.J. Smith about their opening.