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Detroit Sports Nation posted a rumor regarding the upcoming firing of Coach BlashillBlashill to be fired
In bringing this to your attention, the intent is simply to notify you that the rumor of Yzerman firing Blashill to be replaced by Bylsma is being flung against the wall. The ingredients of both of the articles referred to are as suspect as the main ingredient of bargain brand bologna, and probably reliably referred to as “filler….
If your first instinct is to roll your eyes at this, you are in good company. People have been trying to relieve Blashill of his duties since before puck drop this season. This has the feel of an “I told you so… rumor, just in case this comes to pass. “Even a broken clock is right twice a day….
While anything is possible, not everything is probable or even beneficial. I will humor this bit of distorted jangle with a couple of “what if… scenarios. 1 - Yzerman has found a coach for the future. I have opined in the past that Yzerman won’t shake up the locker room with this type of change unless it’s one in which he is confident. Bringing in a player on an expiring contract is a lot different than throwing someone else in the mix as a head coach. Unless there are systems in place that Yzerman is on board with having done some sort of early scouting, putting this young group through another change for the final 41 doesn’t make much sense.
2 - IF Blashill did something egregious that is negatively affecting the team. This is highly doubtful. Unlike his predecessor, Jeff Blashill has a firm understanding of the younger generation of players. Of the few conversations I had with the coach before he was hired by Detroit, one was while he was heading to scout his own players. (This was while he was still at Western Michigan). the Coach is a good guy, a hard worker, and a tireless student of the game. With the current environment of the NHL, all new coaches are going to have to be vetted in a completely different way.
Outside of those options, I foresee a steady trot to the end. Especially since multiple players could be headed out as trade deadline acquisitions for contenders. As “patchwork… as the roster has been, it will be even more so after February. Obligatory call ups and final auditions for extensions will make the final 20 games very interesting.
It is my sincere hope that you file this particular rumor away, far away, but know at least that it was said and you were notified. Once this season is finished, all bets are off. In fact, if Yzerman has identified a new coach, he will want that candidate to be at the upcoming draft. I expect this off season to be far busier than last as a more firm “timeline… is put together on getting this club to be competitive. That doesn’t mean that 20/21 will be a 180 degree turn, but it should at least be directional and indicative of what Yzerman’s vision is for a future contender in the new NHL.
Please feel free to comment. If you think this has legs, by all means stand up and be counted. Your comments and input are always appreciated. Keep it coming!