What Is Next For The Blackhawks After They Fired Head Coach Luke Richardson
That moment and quote from Davidson says it all. Luke Richardson, by all accounts, is a great human being. He had a very good resume. Jaw like an anvil. It just wasn't working here and Davidson had to drop the hammer on him. I am sure he will be back behind a bench at some point and I hope he has success. The experiment with him in Chicago failed and it was time to move on. Every coach gets fired and I am sure things will work out for Richardson in the long run.
In the video last night I said I was mad at Kyle Davidson and management for the timing of this move. The timing in relation to Jim Montgomery getting fired by Boston and going to division rival, St Louis. If you were close to firing Richardson, which he must've been a few weeks ago or so when the Monty change happened, then why not make your move then?
A few people on twitter were screaming hE WaS aLwaYs gOinG to St LoUiS.
Maybe that is true. We'll never know. What I do know is that the Blackhawks never gave themselves a chance. I believe Jim Montgomery is one of the best coaches in all of hockey. He's great with young players. Has the respect of veterans. You give him Bedard, the city of Chicago, a 4 year deal and more money than the reported $3.5M/year that he got from St Louis and give him something to think about. If he still chooses STL because of the ties he has to that organization than so be it. At least they gave themselves a chance at the best coach available. Worst case scenario if you take a serious run at Monty is that you end up in the exact position that they're in now. Sorensen. I am more angry about the process than the result. I want the Blackhawks to be serious about winning. Going for Monty would be a statement of intent. It's time to take that step forward. It's time to be more bold. That's why I was upset.
As for Sorensen. I don't know anything about him. I did get this message unsolicited from a former player
So who knows…maybe Anders is the perfect hire for the moment. It's all about Bedard and the young guys at this point. I think this team is better than they've shown this year (even if it is only slightly). I hope Anders does so well that the Blackhawks are forced to keep him. I doubt that'll be the case, but that is my hope.
Realistically he is an interim guy. Which means that the culture building and step-taking this year are going to be another 6 months behind schedule.
If it isn't Sorensen then the Blackhawks will be in the market for a new coach after the season. I have no idea who that'll be. I also wonder if this job is even THAT attractive at this point. They're clearly still a bit away. I doubt a guy like Todd McLellan or Gerard Gallant will be interest in coaching this roster at this juncture. They are the types who want a genuine chance to win. That isn't the case in Chicago. Maybe a Granato. Maybe a guy like Blashill. I hope it is someone who has some success as an NHL Head Coach. The Blackhawks are going to have a ton of players learning at the NHL level in the coming years. It would be nice to have a coach who isn't going through a similar learning curve.
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As for the rest of this year…I hope they be what we all hoped heading into the season. A team that isn't a laughing stock. A team that is going to be in the lottery, but not a disorganized pushover. I think a fresh voice and fresh eyes can help get this team back on track. And most importantly…the Blackhawks need someone who can get Bedard confident and looking like the franchise player he can be.
Other thoughts…
--Frank Nazar…call him up. It's not a desperation move. Nazar is KILLING the American Hockey League.
Sports are supposed to be a meritocracy. Frank Nazar is the best player in the AHL. I have a very difficult time believing he's not one of the Blackhawks best 6 forwards right now. In my eyes he has earned a call-up already. I think it'd be good for him and the organization. You set a standard where you reward guys who earn it. I also think Nazar would instantly inject some speed, skill, and most importantly…confidence into the group. Davidson says he wants to let the roster settle in before making moves. I say bring him up now while there's a new energy and a new coach. Don't wait until things go sour again. If you call up Nazar and he struggles…send him back down. That's not a bad thing. Most NHL players go back down to the minors.
--Levshunov/Korchinski…leave them where they are for now. I obviously wouldn't be upset if they got called up, but they have plenty of guys who can eat minutes up in the NHL and I want Lev and Korch to be in every situation in the minors. Get those reps. If they are so dominant at the AHL level like Nazar has been then by all means…bring them up. D-men take long and the mistakes are usually more costly. More roster flexibility for forwards.
--The best thing for the Blackhawks is to be picking in the top 5 again. They need more top end talent on this team. Who that ends up being I haven't the slightest idea at this point. They also need some size. So if the Blackhawks get Martone or McQueen or someone who has offense and plays with an edge I will be very happy.
--I believe in Davidson. I believe in Norm. I think the Hockey Ops has largely done a good job. I do have dark thoughts about the rebuild and the timeline, but I think this group will eventually be in the playoffs.
Going to the United Center is the closest thing to a time-machine. I've been a few times this year. I think I am back in 2005 until I see my fat face in the mirror when I go to take a piss. The building is empty. The games have no juice. It's not a fun experience at the moment. It's time to be bold. It's time for fresh ideas and fresh blood to make the Blackhawks a first class organization again. Make it the games fun. Cater to and care about your fans.