The Daily: Blashill Interviewing For Head Jobs; Augustine Update

Former Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, now a Tampa Bay assistant, is being mentioned as a possible candidate for one of the handful of NHL coaching vacancies.

Blashill has been linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks’ coaching searching. Blashill has history with Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek who was Steve Yzerman’s right-hand man before taking the job in Anaheim.

The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta reports that Lightning assistants Blashill and Jeff Halpern are both expected to interview with multiple teams.

Blashill, 51, spent seven seasons with Detroit (2015-2022), posting a record of 204-261-72.

#GoBolts GM BriseBois said the plan is for the entire coaching staff to return unless an assistant coach gets a head coaching opportunity elsewhere: "The reality is there are eight vacancies right now for head coaching positions in the NHL. We have really good people in our… https://t.co/a8oC7RLFdr

— Benjamin Pierce (@BenjaminJReport) May 2, 2025

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

GM Steve Yzerman doesn’t see the Red Wings chasing after restricted free agents with offer sheets.

Two former Detroit stars, Igor Larionov and Sergei Fedorov, are in contention for a coveted coach job in the Kontinental Hockey League.

Prospect goalie Sebastian Cossa needs a strong AHL postseason to show the Red Wings he’s ready for his NHL shot.

Red Wings Extra

In Yzerman’s recent press conference, he said the organization didn’t have a problem with Trey Augustine staying at Michigan State for his junior season.

“That’s Trey’s decision,” Yzerman said. “We had a conversation with him early March, late February maybe about whether to stay in school or to turn pro. And, and at the time we said, look – our advice was, Trey, go just finish the season. Focus on school, focus on you, he had a very good team there at Michigan State, finish the season and we’re more than happy to discuss it at the end of the year. Ultimately it’ll be your decision on what you want to do. And I don’t think either way went was going to be a bad decision… He’s going back to a great program and I expect them to be a really good team, which is a good situation for him. So I’m totally comfortable with that decision.”

By the way, the Red Wings opted not to sign MSU player Red Savage. They drafted him in 2021.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: After missing out on Mike Sullivan, where do the Bruins go next? Andrew Fantucchio weighs in. Boston Bruins. 

Colorado: Moving on in the playoffs, Mikko Rantanen gets the last laugh on the Colorado Avalanche. 

Montreal: Jacob Fowler’s strong play in the AHL makes fans wonder whether he could arrive in the NHL early. He’s only 20. Montreal Canadiens. 

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski offers five under-the-radar names, including Providence College’s Nate Leaman, for the Penguins’ coaching search.  Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: William Eklund was “stable” after suffering a scary injury. San Jose Sharks.