CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 07: Interim head coach Derek King of the Chicago
Blackhawks watches as his team takes on the Nashville Predators at the
United Center on November 07, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Predators 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson sure is taking his time naming a new head coach.
Davidson said last month he was looking for a head coach that can get the Blackhawks through a rebuild and eventually raise the Stanley Cup. Davidson has been deliberate in his search for new a leader behind the bench.
Chicago Sun-Times Blackhawks beat writer Ben Pope wrote that the Hawks hoped to have a new head coach in place by mid-July. He also reported that interim head coach Derek King is not being considered for the permanent position.
Suddenly, it sounded like the Chicago Blackhawks were getting close to naming Calgary Flames assistant Ryan Husk as head coach according to Kevin Weekes of ESPN and the NHL Network.
Chicago Tribune Blackhawks beat writer Phillip Thompson reported that Husk is not being hired as head coach.
Blackhawks have denied report that Ryan Huska has been named the new head coach: “The process is still taking place.”
— Phillip Thompson (@_phil_thompson) June 20, 2022
NBC Sports Chicago Blackhawks insider Charlie Roumeliotis also reported the Hawks had not made a coaching hire.
I’m told the Ryan Huska to Chicago report is inaccurate. No decision has been made yet on a permanent head coach. #Blackhawks
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) June 20, 2022
Weekes also followed up on his report confirming that the coaching search is still ongoing.
At this rate, the Hawks may already have completed the draft, signed some free agents, and started training camp before a head coach is in place.
The Hawks’ season ended on April 29th and there is still no sign a head coach has been found.
Understandably, Davidson wants to take his time. The Chicago Blackhawks have the NHL Entry Draft and the start of free agency fast approaching. It would be nice to have a head coach in place.
Granted, Davidson has to build up the front office and reshape the scouting department in his image. The man has a lot on his plate as he completely rebuilds the Chicago Blackhawks back into playoff contenders.
