Red Wings announce hiring of Jeff Blashill as new coach
The Detroit Red Wings announced Jeff Blashill as their new head coach on Tuesday.
Blashill, 41, was a Red Wings assistant in 2011–2012 before becoming the head coach of the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit’s top minor-league affiliate.
He will replace Mike Babcock, who coached the Red Wings from the 2005–2006 season until last month, when he was hired by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Blashill’s contract is expected to be for three years, reports the Detroit Free Press.
• MUIR: Blashill the right man to guide Detroit's transition
After Babcock left, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said Blashill was the leading candidate to become the next coach. Babcock also said that he believed Blashill would be Detroit’s next head coach.
The Red Wings went 43–25–14 this season and lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the playoffs.
- Molly Geary