Jeff Blashill is set to become the 41st head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, as reported by Frank Seravalli of Moneyline. An official announcement from the Blackhawks is expected on Thursday regarding Blashill's appointment.

In the previous season, the Blackhawks were guided by Anders Sorensen, who stepped up from his role with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs to replace Luke Richardson in December. Richardson was dismissed after the Blackhawks started the season with a disappointing 8-16-2 record, finishing 31st in the NHL with an average of 2.42 goals scored per game. Following Richardson's departure, TSN's Pierre LeBrun highlighted that the Blackhawks had a keen interest in promoting Sorensen, who led the IceHogs to a 117-89-16-7 record over four seasons. However, under Sorensen's leadership, the Blackhawks recorded a 17-30-9 finish, ending the season at the bottom of the Central Division for the third consecutive year.

A key focus for the Blackhawks moving forward will be the development of their younger players, particularly Connor Bedard, the number one overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Bedard played all 82 games of his second NHL season but was only able to closely match his production from a rookie year hindered by injuries. Blashill's ability to foster Bedard's growth, as well as support the team's anticipated 2025 first-round draft choice in adapting to the NHL, will be crucial for the Blackhawks as they continue their rebuilding process. Blashill, at 51 years of age, has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning, predominantly overseeing the defense and penalty-killing units under head coach Jon Cooper. During his tenure, the Lightning improved their goals allowed per game from 22nd last season to fourth in the 2024-25 season. The Blackhawks will be looking for similar improvement, as they ranked 31st in goals allowed this season. With Bedard representing a foundational piece for future success, the Blackhawks are embarking on a long-term rebuild that necessitates patience, yet offers the potential for a return to competitive prominence in the near future should Blashill meet expectations.