After seven seasons as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings, Jeff Blashill was officially given his walking papers by GM Steve Yzerman last month, along with assistant Doug Houda and goaltending coach Jeff Salajko.
It will be the first time since the 2015-16 season that Blashill won’t be behind the bench in the Motor City. He replaced Mike Babcock, who departed for what was at the time the highest-paid deal for an NHL coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Yzerman and the Red Wings have been linked to more than a few names in their coaching search, including former Stanley Cup-winning bench boss Barry Trotz, who was recently let go by the New York Islanders. And speaking of the Islanders, they reportedly have a figure who served on Trotz’ staff amongst their considerations.
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According to NHL analyst Kevin Weekes, the Red Wings have former Isles assistant Jim Hiller “on their radar”:
Another name to keep an eye on on this @NHL Coaching Carousel 🎠 ; Now former @NYIslanders Asst Coach Jim Hiller is on the radar of the @DallasStars , @DetroitRedWings among other clubs. #HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 9, 2022
Hiller has previous ties to the Red Wings
Of course, this name will sound familiar to Red Wings fans, as he previously served as an assistant coach with the team under Babcock. He also followed Babcock to the Leafs in 2015. He later joined the Islanders as a member of Trotz’ staff in 2019.
