CHICAGO — Following a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Boston on Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks’ general manager Kyle Davidson reached a pivotal decision point regarding the team’s management. This loss prompted him to initiate a coaching change, leading to the removal of head coach Luke Richardson.
Davidson expressed his thoughts on the matter by stating, “Once you cross that threshold in your own mind, there is no turning back. I reached that point after the game against Boston.” The transition began on Friday, as the team held its first practice under interim coach Anders Sorensen, one day after Richardson’s departure was officially announced.
The challenge ahead for Sorensen is substantial, as he takes the helm of a team that is far from being a serious contender for the playoffs this year. Despite the Blackhawks’ current NHL-worst record of 8-16-2, Davidson believes the team’s potential exceeds their results. They are heading into their matchup with Winnipeg having lost four straight games and eight of their last ten. Davidson remarked, “I don’t see this as a last-place team. But that’s where we find ourselves. I do think there have been games where we deserved better outcomes and could have earned extra points. However, we need to analyze why that didn’t happen. There are aspects that can be improved.”
At 49 years old, Sorensen joins the Blackhawks after previously serving as the head coach for the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL, making him a well-known figure among the organization. He first joined the Blackhawks in 2013-14 as a development coach and became an assistant coach with the IceHogs in the 2018-19 season. Notably, he has now positioned himself as the first Swedish-born head coach in the history of the NHL, marking a significant milestone for both Sorensen and the league.