Earlier this week, the Detroit Red Wings announced that they’d be retaining general manager Ken Holland for another two seasons. Now, they’ve announced that they’re going to bring back head coach Jeff Blashill for next season.
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The team gathered at Little Caesars Arena Tuesday for their annual locker-room cleanout and team photo. Holland announced the decision to retain Blashill for another season, though no decision has been made regarding the status of assistants Doug Houda (defense, penalty kill), John Torchetti (forwards) and Jeff Salajko (goaltenders). The two latter names have expiring contracts, while the former has another year left on his.
Holland pointed to the development of core team pieces like Dylan Larkin as the reason for retaining Blashill.
“I’ve decided I’m going to bring back Jeff Blashill for another year,” Holland said. “I thought the team played hard until the finish. I’m hoping that two, three, four young players in our system make the team. He did a good job with the young players in Grand Rapids when he was a coach there. I thought this year, you look at the impact of Tyler Bertuzzi, and Dylan Larkin and the development and the importance they had on the team, they improved as players.”
Overall, Jeff Blashill has led the Red Wings to a 104-105-37 record in his three seasons behind the bench. He took over from long-tenured coach Mike Babcock, who moved on to coach the Toronto Maple Leafs and has guided them to the playoffs for a second straight year. Blashill’s first year as head coach ended with a five game playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, and two consecutive playoff absences.
BONUS CONTENT – RED WINGS ANNOUNCE KEN HOLLAND EXTENSION
The fantasy that most Detroit Red Wings fans have of former captain Steve Yzerman coming to town to once again rescue a franchise in desperate need of help just took a devastating blow.
The Red Wings have announced that Ken Holland has been signed to a two-year contract extension. That news comes not long after they announced that he would be retained at least through next season.
