Despite three head coaching vacancies being filled across the NHL already this offseason, the Chicago Blackhawks still have some solid options to choose from. The rumored top candidate linked to the organization, David Carle, took his name out of the running for the role a few weeks ago and signed an extension to remain the bench boss at Denver University.
After Carle was no longer an option, all eyes turned to former Pittsburgh Penguins head coach, Mike Sullivan. Those dreams for Chicago fans did not last long, as Sullivan latched onto another Original Six franchise with the New York Rangers making him the highest paid head coach in NHL history.
The third job that was filled most recently did not come as a shock to the hockey world. Chicago would never have considered this candidate for their opening, as he has already served as the leader in the Windy City for quite some time. Joel Quenneville became the newest Anaheim Ducks head coach on Thursday after being reinstated by the league last summer. Coach Q won three Stanley Cups in his time with the Blackhawks and the Ducks will be the fifth organization he has been a head coach for.
Another experienced bench boss could be an option for the Chicago Blackhawks in this hiring cycle, but he would come to the organization with some baggage for his past ventures in the NHL.
Why John Tortorella fits the Chicago Blackhawks
NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals Oct 23, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella (L) directs his team during a timeout against the Washington Capitals in the third period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
If the Blackhawks are looking for a candidate that has won in multiple places at the NHL level and has a lengthy track record, John Tortorella could be a guy toward the top of their list. He is a guy that would demand respect from the young roster as soon as he walks into the dressing room and it would be interesting to see how he would mesh with the dynamic that the Blackhawks have with young talent right now.
Similar to Coach Q, Tortorella has been around the NHL for a long time. He has served as the lead man behind the bench to some capacity with five different franchises in the league, with his longest tenure being a seven year stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning from 2000-2008. Tortorella also spent six seasons each with the Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Rangers following his time in the Sunshine state before completing his most recent job with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Tortorella won the Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004 and is a two-time Jack Adams Award winner. He took home the honor for the best coach in the league the same season he won the Stanley Cup and in 2017. Tortorella has coached in 1,620 games at the NHL level and has a career record of 770-648-37 for 1,742 points throughout his travels.
Why the Chicago Blackhawks should avoid John Tortorella
NHL: Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers Apr 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella talks with center Sean Couturier (14) against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Tortorella’s dismissal from the Flyers this past season came with multiple possible reasons going against the long time head coach’s attitude toward what the organization was building. Altercations with players, comments reflecting negatively on the front office, and even reportedly saying that he didn’t have much interest coaching a rebuilding team could all be red flags for Chicago.
Not only do the Blackhawks not want a guy who has a potentially bad rap, the rebuilding comments would impact them as well. Even though the team had a strong end to this past season and there is hope for improvement in the immediate future, they are still a bit of ways away from legitimately contending. If Tortorella felt strongly against that in Philadelphia, the same thing would likely happen in Chicago.
NHL: St. Louis Blues at Philadelphia Flyers Mar 4, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella against the St. Louis Blues at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
