Red Wings news: Jeff Blashill retains job security per Steve Yzerman
By Tyler Kotila
According to the latest announcements from Detroit Red Wings General Manager (GM) Steve Yzerman, coach Jeff Blashill is going to retain his job security.
The Detroit Red Wings regular season has been ended by the league’s latest announcement regarding a return-to-play. GM Steve Yzerman told reporters that Jeff Blashill was going to retain his job as head coach into the upcoming season, even though the Red Wings were the worst team.
For Blashill, this means he will be safe through the 2020-21 season, meaning he will only have one year left on his deal when it does expire after the 2021-22 season. The decision to extend Blashill’s contract with the Red Wings came from former GM, Ken Holland.
Retaining Blashill means a couple of things for this organization, but one thing is certain, Yzerman seems to trust in what Blashill has already done while coaching the Red Wings in past years, even through the rebuild. The reports from Yzerman show that Blashill is part of the Yzer-plan, for now.
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The Red Wings ultimately are not nearing that window of competition, the prospects in the minors are still going to take at minimum a year or two to become acclimated.
A big signing could help expedite this to a shorter process but Blashill is going to be the coach through his contract.
He may not be the best game manager behind the bench or someone who will bring them to Stanley Cup Championship.
Blashill’s niche as a coach is developing and working with the young talent that the organization possesses.
During his time in the American Hockey League (AHL), Blashill showed that he can do well coaching the younger players and allow them to develop for their shot as NHL players with the Red Wings.
At the end of the day, keeping him around, even if it is just for the 2020-21 season, and then letting him go, is a move that lets the Red Wings buy more time to develop. Eventually, Yzerman will bring in one of many candidates for the coaching position to help the Red Wings compete.
For the time being, it will be more Red Wings hockey filled with defensive zone mistakes, goaltending issues (hopefully to be fixed), and losing. Blashill behind the bench may not be fans’ favorite decision, but he does have a knack for furthering player development which bodes well.
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Until the time where the Detroit Red Wings are raising banners again, fans should just continue to trust in the Yzer-plan as it trucks along.