Episode 74 - Rebuilding Hope - With New Blackhawks Head Coach Jeff Blashill

The envy of the NHL for the first half of last decade, the Chicago Blackhawks have come upon difficult times since winning their last Stanley Cup in 2015. The road back to respectability has been slow and frustrating for fans in the Windy City.

While a bit more patience may be in order, there's reason for optimism as Jeff Blashill begins a new era behind the Blackhawks bench bringing with him a reputation for developing players with a focus on fundamentals. Neil and Vic speak with Blashill to get a line on his expectations for the coming season.

With October around the corner, some other news making headlines from a concerned fan based regarding potential signings to injury news to a pair of superstars prepared to start the season as regular linemates.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:54] - New Blackhawks head coach Jeff Blashill joins the show now coaching his second original six team.

[02:30] - Blashill's decision to go to college elsewhere and play goal despite being raised in the Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior State.

[04:27] - Once coming to the realization that coaching was going to be his future, Blashill used his goalie perspective to determine how to run certain drills.

[06:00] - Neil and Jeff and the Western Michigan bond.

[08:04] - Having won championships as a head coach at two minor league levels, the message to his Blackhawks knowing what the perception of the team is around the hockey world.

[10:43] - The systematic approach needed to return the Blackhawks to respectability.

[12:13] - Having coached Dylan Larkin in his first seven NHL seasons, the teachings Blashill might employ with Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar.

[14:45] - The effect assistant coach Michael Peca - an excellent two-way player in his day - can help Bedard develop into more of a 200-foot player.

[17:28] - Similar to his Grand Rapids experience, Blashill will be counting on some of his veterans to help with younger players.

[19:10] - Doubling back to other star forwards of the past whose complete games took time to mature.

[21:03] - Players that have impressed since camp has opened and a word on goaltender Spencer Knight.

[23:24] - A unique situation where the coach who finished last season behind the Chicago bench is one of Blashill's other assistants for 2025-26.

[25:42] - Wrapping up with Jeff Blashill.

[28:54] - Two of the five Team Canada players acquitted in the sexual assault case stemming from an incident at the World Junior Championships in 2018 are being connected to the Carolina Hurricanes - and many of their fans aren't pleased about it.

[31:19] - Other news includes an indefinite leave of absence by a Toronto goalie, some injury news, the Oilers superstars opening the season playing together and remembering three Hall of Fame goalies lost in a 16-day period.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

NHL Wraparound Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

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