Kyle Davidson has put together a roster that seemingly lacks physicality, scoring, and defensive abilities, it seems that the ownership agrees with the vision that has been put together. And while fans are upset with the start of the season, it doesn’t make sense to have an interim GM at the start of this young season. Now where they could start to make a change is behind the bench. The Blackhawks are not strangers to relieving coaches mid-season and there are options if the team does decide to move on from Jeff Blashill.
The quickest answer to many is John Tortorella shortly known as “Torts”. He is a hall of famer behind the bench who just recently stepped in for the Vegas Golden Knights and led them to a Stanley Cup final. The issue is the Golden Knights were already a Cup caliber roster and Torts likely wouldn’t want to go into a situation where the team has not had success or a developed roster with guys that have been playing together for a couple seasons.
Now the man that can make sense to take over behind the net is Stanley Cup winning head coach and former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman, Bruce Cassidy. A homecoming for the former d-man doesn’t come without complications however. Technically he is still employed by the cutthroat Golden Knights and would need to receive the approval from the Vegas ownership to take a new role. Cassidy was on the short list to interview in Edmonton this past offseason and Vegas did say no, however the Oilers are a division rival and have star powers on Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard, and more. Could the Golden Knights block the Blackhawks, yes. Would they? Probably not. Cassidy remains under team control until the start of July 2027.
Cassidy has NHL success. In his 12 seasons, he made the playoffs 10 times (would have likely been 11 if Vegas didn’t let him go), 2 finals appearances, and a Stanley Cup victory in the 2022-23 season. He led players like Jack Eichel to find their true potential. Star players that didn’t know how to win and produce at a superstar level is something younger players like Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, and Artyom Levshunov could benefit greatly from.
A move behind the bench could also signal that the Blackhawks are serious about turning this around and bringing in a veteran Head Coach could benefit them in the market as well. Chicago is known to be a great hockey town but with all the uncertainty, players have not put the Blackhawks on their trade list when having a No-Movement Claus. With a move if a team like the New York Rangers start to fall without Shesterkin would a player like J.T. Miller waive that clause or would Pittsburgh benefit shipping Richard Rakell for a collection of prospects and picks?
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