This summer we here at Octopus Thrower have given you, our loyal readers, several Top 5 and 10 lists to help ease the hockey-less summertime blues. Today instead of a Top 5 or 10 list we honor the almighty and lucky octopus by giving you a Top 8 list of things to know about the Detroit Red Wings upcoming 2015-2016 NHL season. These eight items are not in any particular order, so rank and discuss them as you will.
Jun 9, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill shakes hands with Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus (7) after he throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago Cubs at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
#8: There’s A “New” Coach In Town
The name Jeff Blashill isn’t exactly a new name to fans of the Detroit Red Wings, but as expected, he is the new head coach of the team. The only thing that was equally unsurprising as Mike Babcock parting ways with the Detroit Red Wings this past spring, was Jeff Blashill being named the new head coach. Most professional sports teams and fans alike would struggle with losing a high-caliber head coach like Babcock, but luckily for Detroit hockey fan’s, their team had a solid “Plan B”.
Jeff Blashill has excelled and won at every level of hockey that he has coached at. Blashill led the Indiana Ice to the USHL Championship in 2009 during his first year as coach, in 2010-2011 he coached the Western Michigan University Broncos (including Danny DeKeyser) to the CCHA Championship game, and as we all know he took the Grand Rapids Griffins to the Calder Cup Championship in 2013.
Blashill has always had at least one big supporter in the Detroit Red Wings family, former head coach Mike Babcock. We can’t forget that Babcock personally chose to bring Blashill in as an assistant coach for the Red Wings in 2011. Before the Red Wings even officially announced Blashill as the new coach, Babcock had some kind words about his replacement.
"“I’m pumped for him. He’s a good man, he’s smart, he’s put his time in, treats people good. He’s demanding. He’s a good hockey coach. I consider him a friend.”"
Not a bad endorsement.
Along with having an already established relationship with a majority of the Red Wings’ roster, there is one fact about Blashill that can’t be forgotten. Last year Blashill could have accepted one of several NHL coaching vacancies, instead he chose to remain with the Detroit organization. Bottom line, he wanted to be where he’s at, and I think that’s something you can’t fake or substitute.
Next: #7: There Will Be Defense