Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Blashill Not On Odds List; Bruins-Panthers Boiling Over

Published

1 year ago

April 21, 2023

Jeff Blashill is not anywhere on the betonline.com odds lists for the favorites to land the Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets head coaching jobs.

Should we be surprised?

Probably not because hiring Blashill, with his unsightly Detroit won-loss record (204-261-72), would be a hard sell to the fan bases in those cities.

But keep this in mind: Blashill, 49, is still highly respected around the NHL. After he was fired, he immediately landed as Jon Cooper’s assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Plenty of decision-makers around the NHL believe he’s a quality coach. He has an AHL championship on his resume and took Team USA to a bronze medal at the World Championships in 2018. USA Hockey appreciated what he had to offer: he coached the Americans for three consecutive seasons at the World Championships.

Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek knows him well. Would he at least interview Blashill? Hard to know for sure. But this is Verbeek’s first coaching hire. Perception matters for the Ducks who are always working to expand their fan base.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is the associate GM for Team Canada at the World Championships and he will be able to root for one of his own. Joe Veleno is going to play for Canada.
Defenseman Antti Tourmisto (drafted 35th in 2019) will get a chance to prove himself next season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He had a decent season in Finland last season.
Detroit defenseman Jake Walman is likely to play at the World Championship, but for which country? Interesting story about Walman’s decision.

Red Wings’ Offseason

The Red Wings are preparing for the 2023 NHL draft. The Sporting News recently projected the Red Wings would take right wing Eduard Sale from the Czech Extrliga with the 10th pick. He had six points in seven games at the last World Junior Championships. GM Steve Yzerman has taken Europeans in each of the past four first rounds.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Captain Patrice Bergeron’s health is still questionable. The Bruins’ offense needs a spark. Will coach Jim Montgomery insert puck mover Matt Grzelcyk on defense? He’s been a healthy scratch. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: The Avalanche show that experience matters in the NHL playoffs. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: George Richards writes that the series against the Boston Bruins is becoming very physical and quite personal. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: Marc Dumont takes a hard look at Jonathan Harris’ surprising rookie season. Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh: Defenseman Jan Rutta had surgery to repair core muscle injury. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Kevin Labanc had another disappointing season. He talked about the possibility of a trade. San Jose Sharks.

Vegas: Mark Stone is back, and playing well for the Golden Knights. He had his 13th multiple-point game to help the Golden Knights down Winnipeg 5-2 in Game 2. Vegas Golden Knights.