Jeff Blashill is Gone; Who Will Be the Next Red Wings Head Coach?

Could Igor Larionov Be the Next Red Wings Head Coach?

The Detroit Red Wings are in the market for a new head coach and that means that they will be busy with interviews in the coming weeks/months. It’s unlikely that they will hire someone given the fact that teams are still in the playoffs. However, you can bet that Yzerman will be making calls and scheduling interviews.

Given that it was announced yesterday, there have been many people talking about who the next head coach should be, but quite frankly it’s a little too early to truly figure out who’s in the running. All we can currently do is speculate and give our thoughts and opinions. So, with that being said, we have our pick for the next Red Wings head coach: Igor Larionov.

Igor Larionov is probably remembered as one of the ‘russian five.’ Having won three Stanley cups with the Red Wings, he knows a great deal about winning and what it takes to do so. Not to mention he understands what it means to put on the winged sweater.

Larionov was once quoted saying this to NHL.com:

"“My philosophy is to teach hockey the right way. To be professional, pay attention to detail and play good, enthusiastic hockey that requires skill, the mindset and the work ethic needed to be successful. I guess maybe it’s not appropriate to compare to a previous coach and someone who I have a lot of respect for, but at the same time I’ve tried to go back to the roots of Russian-style hockey, when we played at high speed and used quick minds and quick feet. I enjoy the smart team play and playing an offensive style that requires imagination. We will play with skill, play for each other and give maximum effort.”"

So, let me ask you all this, doesn’t this sound like the type of coach this team needs? After Blashill pretty much ran a scheme designed around a dump-and-chase, it would be a terrific change of pace to see them work a different tansition and breakout style.

Larionov, doens’t have a lot of coaching credentials to his name. Especially at the caliber in which we would ask of him to coach at, but at the same point, his philosophy, his understanding of the game, how he played when he was in the NHL, how he handles himself, he seems like the perfect choice for the position.