Jeff Blashill
According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, the Red Wings are poised to extend Jeff Blashill's contract. An anonymous source indicated that the extension will be for two years and that the organization expects the team to make the playoffs in that time-frame.
http://gty.im/1135570715
Blashill took over for Mike Babcock in 2015. Since then, he is responsible for a 134-143-47 record, and the Red Wings now head to their third straight draft lottery. His coaching has been called into question by fans throughout the season. Despite this, he's coaching during a difficult time as the Red Wings are undergoing a rebuild.
The team is young, and Blashill has experience working with young players, which may explain the extension. Jeff Blashill coached the Grand Rapids Griffins for three seasons and led them to a Calder Cup championship in 2013. Blashill faced scrutiny for the handling of Michael Rasmussen and Dennis Cholowski this season. In contrast, he was responsible for the smooth transition of Filip Zadina onto the main roster.
http://gty.im/1130208815
The Red Wings organization is apparently pleased with how the youth has developed, but the question remains: can Blashill get this team to the next level?
Continue to check Michigan Sports and Entertainment as more information becomes available.
