Red Wings hire Jeff Blashill as new coach

[Vulcan]

Jeff Blashill was named coach of the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. Blashill had been the coach of the Red Wings' American Hockey League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=7...d=nhl:topheads

[Erick Estrada]

This should surprise nobody as he was always plan B if Babcock left. Will be interesting to see the team under a different coach as we have been waiting for them to finally miss the playoffs for years now. Have to think that time will be coming in the near future and if not this coming season then next.

[GreenLantern]

I am not so sure we will see the Wings decline any time soon.. even if Datsyuk and Zetterberg start taking a step back, it looks like Nyquist and Tatar are on their way up. They've still got a great mix of vets and youth up front and solid goaltending both present and future between Howard and Mrazek. They've managed to pluck a few more late round gems it seems as well as some of the 'expected' future contributors with Ferraro and Mantha continuing to develop. Defense is definitely their weakest area, but even then it is still average for the league.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

I am not so sure we will see the Wings decline any time soon.. even if Datsyuk and Zetterberg start taking a step back, it looks like Nyquist and Tatar are on their way up. They've still got a great mix of vets and youth up front and solid goaltending both present and future between Howard and Mrazek. They've managed to pluck a few more late round gems it seems as well as some of the 'expected' future contributors with Ferraro and Mantha continuing to develop. Defense is definitely their weakest area, but even then it is still average for the league.

Maybe but talented teams still miss the playoffs just look at the Kings, Avalanche, and Bruins. I don't think the Wings have that much talent that they can't have an off season and still make the playoffs.

[Vulcan]

I sometimes think Babcock got out of Detroit while the getting was good.

[JohnnySkittles]

No surprises here, he was always the guy IMO. Great up and coming coach from all the reports.

[DoubleK]

Good hire.

[btimbit]

Only surprise is what took so long

[getbak]

Originally Posted by btimbit

Only surprise is what took so long

Grand Rapids' final game was only last Tuesday.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Vulcan

I sometimes think Babcock got out of Detroit while the getting was good.

The good was $$$, Detroit's team is fading but Toronto's isn't any better.

[btimbit]

Neat

Aaron Ward ✔@TSNAaronWard
Expect Detroit Red Wings to include #HHOF Chris Chelios on coaching staff when they announce Jeff Blashill as their new Head Coach. #TSN

Originally Posted by getbak

Grand Rapids' final game was only last Tuesday.

Oh right. Dur

[OILFAN #81]

Detroit completed it's staff today hiring Tony Granato and Chris Chelios as assistants.