{"id":110014,"date":"2021-05-18T14:42:34","date_gmt":"2021-05-18T18:42:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=110014"},"modified":"2021-05-18T14:42:34","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T18:42:34","slug":"jeff-blashill-extended-red-wings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2021\/05\/18\/jeff-blashill-extended-red-wings\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Red Wings Extend Head Coach Jeff Blashill"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Detroit Red Wings<\/a> announced today that they have extended head coach Jeff Blashill. As of right now, it is unclear how long Blashill’s contract runs. Following the news, general manager Steve Yzerman<\/a> released the following statement:<\/p>\n

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UPDATE: #RedWings<\/a> executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman today announced that Jeff Blashill has agreed to a contract extension to remain head coach of the Red Wings.<\/p>\n

More \u00bb https:\/\/t.co\/IbyyE75PHC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/TJE1pX1MJO<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) May 18, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Detroit Red Wings Extend Jeff Blashill<\/h2>\n

Blashill is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the NHL. He’s been behind the Detroit bench since 2015 when Mike Babcock left to coach the Maple Leafs. Since then, he’s put together a 172-221-62 record. In addition to Blashill’s extension, the Red Wings announced that they will not retain the services of assistant coach Dan Bylsma<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This is Blashill’s second contract extension since his first in 2019. Blashill has seen a tough roster transition since seizing the reins in Detroit. He’s been around since the departure of former captain Henrik Zetterberg<\/a> and has now seen a newfound captain in Dylan Larkin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What This Means for the Future<\/h3>\n

Initially, Blashill was signed as a development-minded coach. He’s done a fair job of it since, seeing the rise of players like Filip Zadina<\/a> and Michael Rasmussen<\/a>. Having said that, there has been a fair share of criticisms of Blashill’s lack of creativity in the offensive end. Blashill emphasizes two-way play. This has resulted in the Red Wings scoring at a lower rate than most teams while preventing scoring opportunities in their own end. His coaching style is a double-edged sword. While their defence has drastically improved<\/a>, the Red Wings now have the second-worst offence in the league.<\/p>\n

With that being said, the wording of the statement implies that Blashill’s on a short leash. It’s likely that this is his make-it-or-break-it opportunity as a head coach. Will he showcase creativity or flounder as he has before? Time will tell the tale.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>