The Chicago Blackhawks have already struck out on their top two head coaching targets and now find themselves scrambling to identify a viable Plan C.
Their reported first choice, University of Denver head coach David Carle, has decided to remain in the college ranks—at least for now. If he accepts another NHL job elsewhere, it would be a tough look for Chicago’s front office.
Shortly after, the New York Rangers quickly secured Mike Sullivan, a more seasoned and arguably better option than Carle. It’s unclear if the Blackhawks ever made a serious attempt to interview Sullivan.
Now, Chicago is left to compete with several other franchises still searching for a head coach in what remains a crowded market. Fortunately, there are still compelling candidates available.
One name drawing attention is veteran coach Peter Laviolette. While considered a retread by some, Laviolette has a reputation for turning teams into immediate contenders. He’s led three different franchises to the Stanley Cup Final, winning it all with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006.
Blackhawks fans will remember him as the opposing coach when Chicago beat the Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final. He also orchestrated Nashville’s dominant sweep of the Hawks in 2017 and just led the Rangers to the Presidents’ Trophy this past season.
Laviolette is known for short-term success—he often brings immediate results but eventually wears out his welcome. Still, with 846 regular season wins and a decent playoff record (88-82), his resume speaks for itself.
Given the Blackhawks haven’t reached the playoffs outside of unusual circumstances since 2017, Laviolette’s track record could offer the stability and competitiveness they desperately need.
That said, the Vancouver Canucks appear to be frontrunners for Laviolette’s services. Their president, Jim Rutherford, worked with him during Carolina’s championship run and may see him as a short-term solution while grooming AHL coach Manny Malhotra for the future.
Still, if Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson believes Laviolette is the right person to lead Chicago out of its rebuild, he should act quickly—before another opportunity slips away.
