Detroit Red Wings: Jeff Blashill expected to sign multi-year deal

Don’t shoot the messenger Detroit Red Wings’ fans but it is being reported that head coach Jeff Blashill is expected to sign a two-year contract extension.

This won’t come as a thrill many Detroit Red Wings’ fans, quite frankly it will just anger many fans.  The fans will always have their favorites. Hence the term fan favorites and Jeff Blashill is not one.  I think the compete level the team has shown down the stretch has been the deal breaker and with the team showing the will to trek on without quitting although it’s been a lost season I think has convinced Ken Holland that Blashill deserves to be rewarded.

Something very interesting to consider here, assistant coach Dan Bylsma is under contract for three more seasons and will serve as a security blanket for the organization if Blashill faulters.  I haven’t quite figured out if the development of players such as Dylan Larkin, Andreas Athanasiou, Anthony Mantha, Tyler Bertuzzi should be credited to Jeff Blashill or Dan Bylsma.  Bylsma was hired to fix the power-play, and that hasn’t happened, the unit is 25th in the league converting on merely16% of their chances.

In an article published by the Detroit Free Press written by Helene St. James, she mentions the contract extension is expected to be announced this Tuesday.

"The deal is for two years, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The length signals to Blashill the organization wants to see the Wings make the playoffs during that span. An announcement is likely to come Tuesday, when the Wings host Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena."

I am not a Jeff Blashill guy, but the team has shown an impressive resiliency over the last couple of weeks.  The franchises top-four forwards previously mentioned are playing the best hockey of their careers, and Jeff Blashill deserves some credit for their recent success. I believe the team is two (good) defensemen away from making the playoffs but as an organization, we should strive from more than just a playoff birth.  I don’t see Blashill being the guy who can elevate a playoff team into a contender; what do you guys think?

The Detroit Red Wings should consider all of their options before re-signing Blashill, but apparently, Ken Holland and Chris Ilitch feel the head coach has earned some security although the Detroit Red Wings will take part in the draft lottery for the third straight year.

I don’t believe Blashill would be a hot commodity if he were not to be retained by the Red Wings.  I’m not saying he wouldn’t be a valuable assistant coach, but as a head coach, there are much better, more successful names available looking for a new gig.  This is another case of Ken Holland and the Detroit Red Wings being overly loyal.  If Kenny could give Jeff a no-trade clause in the deal, I’m confident he would.