The Chicago Blackhawks have found their man.
According to multiple reports that surfaced on Friday, the Blackhawks are set to name former NHL defenseman Luke Richardson as head coach, replacing interim coach Derek King who guided the team for the majority of last season, while becoming the club’s first full-time coach since Jeremy Colliton was relieved of his duties in November of 2021.
Richardson has extensive experience behind an NHL bench throughout his lengthy coaching career, having served as an assistant for the Montreal Canadiens last season, as well as the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders before that, as well. Richardson also held the role of head coach for the Senators’ AHL affiliate in Binghamton from 2012-2016, compiling a 153-120-31 record during his tenure.
With the Blackhawks in the midst of a full-scale rebuild, the team clearly felt comfortable in hiring a coach with no prior experience in the main role at the NHL level. Richardson has always been lauded for his ability to communicate with players during his time as an assistant, which is a valuable skill in the modern NHL. And with the Blackhawks set to welcome in an entirely new crop of young players that they hope will serve as the foundation of the team’s roster for years to come, Richardson’s ability as a communicator likely helped give him the edge for the job.
The road contention is a long one for the Blackhawks moving forward. But with a new coach in place, hired by a GM who was just appointed to his post, there is at least some organizational stability in the Windy City when it comes to their on-ice product.
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