Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson provided an update on the coaching search to find a permanent replacement for Luke Richardson, who was fired in December. Anders Sorensen was promoted from head coach of the Rockford IceHogs to interim head coach for the Blackhawks.
Chicago finished with a 25-46-11 record, the second-worst in the league. However, the Blackhawks ended their season on a positive note by winning four of their final six games, including their last two games.
Sorensen is one of the candidates the Blackhawks are considering for the permanent head coaching position amid a challenging search for Davidson.
David Carle recently withdrew his consideration from Chicago to sign a contract extension with Denver. Mike Sullivan signed a record deal with the New York Rangers last week after mutually parting ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Chicago Blackhawks hint at retaining Anders Sorensen
NHL: Chicago Blackhawks at Florida Panthers Feb 1, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Chicago Blackhawks head coach Anders Sorensen looks on during in the third period against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
During his press conference for the draft lottery on Monday (the Blackhawks will draft at No. 3), Davidson said Chicago wanted a candidate who has experience working with young players, something Sorensen has a track record of doing recently as head coach of the IceHogs.
“I think a coach working with younger players, that will be key because we’re going to be a younger team moving forward,” Davidson said via Charlie Roumeliotis of WGN. “You saw a peak to that at the end of the season, but I don’t necessarily think that has to color what we go out and get. We’re going to talk to a bunch of very qualified candidates that we feel very passionate about.
It’s going to be determined in that room and in the interviews when if it feels right, how they approach things and if that’s the right fit for us. In the end, we want someone that’s going to come in and help these young players that we’re very excited about, that we think have a ton of promise.
“They’re going to need someone that’s going to allow them to develop and allow them to grow, and through that, grow our status in the win column. That’s something that’s all connected. We’re looking to check a number of boxes there but ultimately want someone that’s excited about what’s going on in Chicago.”
Sorensen has experience with coaching the youth
NHL: Seattle Kraken at Chicago Blackhawks Dec 19, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks interim head coach Anders Sorensen stands behind the bench during the third period of the game against the Seattle Kraken at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Sorensen went 117-89-16 during his four years with the IceHogs. He went 17-30-9 with the Blackhawks last season.
Despite Carle withdrawing from the Blackhawks to stay at the college level and Sullivan going to greener pastures, Davidson believes Chicago has an “appealing” job based on reactions he gets on his phone.
“Based on the reaction in my phone every day, it’s an appealing job,” Davidson said. “We feel that and we know that, but we’ve got to find the right person that fits what we’re doing and that’s kind of the course we’re running right now.”
If only the news matched the reactions on Davidson’s phone.
NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks interim head coach Anders Sorensen talks with media members after the game against the Winnipeg Jets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
