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Chicago Blackhawks address major coaching change and several reassignments

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Jack Sutherland
August 12, 2025 (10:08)

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The Chicago Blackhawks, who have already hired Jeff Blashill as their new full-time head coach, have released additional new coaching assignments for this year.

The Chicago Blackhawks have already made a major change in leadership for this season, hiring Jeff Blashill as their new full-time head coach. Anders Sorenson, who took over as head coach on an interim basis after the firing of Luke Richardson, will stay on Blashill's staff as an assistant.

Additionally, new coaching assignments have been handed out. Per Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times, the new-look coaching staff includes former NHL forward Michael Peca along with Mike Vellucci, who will handle the forwards.

Additionally, Sorenson will oversee the team defense as he did with the Rockford Ice Hogs, while goalie coach Jimmy Waite stays in his current position.

New assistants Michael Peca and Mike Vellucci will oversee the forwards, with Peca also coaching the penalty kill and Vellucci the power play. Anders Sorensen will oversee the defensemen - a role he previously held in Rockford. Long-tenured goalie coach Jimmy Waite retained his position.

Jeff Blashill expects Chicago's young players to develop soon

Blashill, who was previously the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings and an assistant with the Tampa Bay Lightning, has won the Calder Cup with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins and is known for his ability to help develop young players.

It's a role that he now takes in Chicago, which has several young players on its roster.

The reality is our growth will be based on how quickly our young guys mature. [Not only] how they mature physically, but more importantly, how their games mature.

[We'll] go from a young, talented group to a group that plays winning hockey. The most exciting opportunity we have as a coaching staff is to mold our players into winning players as quickly as possible.

Blashill has a career head coaching record of 204-261-72.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Gary Bettman called out by NHL agent: It's embarrassing for the players

Official signing alert of a Stanley Cup Champion and a familiar face to Chicago Blackhawks fans

Longest tenured Chicago Blackhawks defenseman appears to be done with the organization

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Chicago Blackhawks address major coaching change and several reassignments

The Chicago Blackhawks, who have already hired Jeff Blashill as their new full-time head coach, have released additional new coaching assignments for this year.

Jeff Blashill expects Chicago's young players to develop soon

Can the Blackhawks return to the postseason in 2026?