Blackhawks Coach Search: Carle Withdraws, New Candidates Emerge

CHICAGO, IL — David Carle has withdrawn from consideration for the Chicago Blackhawks’ head coach position, a source confirmed to The Athletic on Saturday. This leaves the Blackhawks still searching for a coach as speculation grows surrounding General Manager Kyle Davidson‘s next steps.

The Blackhawks’ coaching search has been notably quiet, raising questions about the reasons behind it. Traditionally, coaching searches involve leaks, but this time, there have been none. Davidson, when addressing the media on April 17, admitted uncertainty about the pace of the search but assured that they are carefully evaluating candidates.

“We’ve thought about that quite a bit,” Davidson stated. “I don’t know how slow or fast. I think it’s just kind of getting a feel for different candidates and different people we’ll want to talk to.”

As Davidson continues his search, several potential candidates have emerged, including Anders Sörensen, who served as the Blackhawks’ interim coach for 56 games this past season. While the Blackhawks managed a slightly better points percentage under Sörensen than under previous coach Luke Richardson, issues remained, with a notable increase in goal output but allowing more goals against.

Davidson praised Sörensen for navigating a challenging transition within the team. “I thought he did a really nice job in a tough spot,” said Davidson, highlighting Sörensen’s ability to cultivate young talent.

Another name in contention is Lane Lambert, who has gained attention for his success in the AHL. Lambert has been credited for developing the game of young players and fostering a strong offensive strategy. His coaching philosophy may appeal to the Blackhawks, who need a tactical balance between offensive strength and defensive responsibility.

Additionally, coaches like Marco Sturm and Jay Woodcroft have drawn interest due to their past experiences in the NHL and AHL. Sturm has transitioned from coaching in Germany to his position with the Ontario Reign, while Woodcroft, despite a challenging end to his stint with the Edmonton Oilers, has shown promise in his previous roles.

With several candidates on the radar, the Blackhawks must weigh their options carefully. The coaching search is more than just a mere formality; it’s critical for the franchise’s future, especially amidst their recent struggles. The question remains whether Chicago will opt for an external candidate or promote internally.

As the deadline for finalizing this hiring creeps closer, the pressure mounts on Davidson to deliver a choice that can lead the Blackhawks back to competitiveness.