The Red Wings have brought in a veteran behind their bench, announcing that they have named Dan Bylsma as an assistant coach. He replaces John Torchetti who was let go at the end of the season.
Head coach Jeff Blashill had the following to say about his newest assistant:
“I know that Dan will make a great impact on our team, and we’re excited to add him to the bench. His resume speaks for itself, including the Stanley Cup championship and Jack Adams Award. I also had the unique opportunity to work with Dan at this year’s World Championship, and that experience leaves no doubt that Dan will bring innovative ideas and tremendous attention to detail to our coaching staff.”
Bylsma has predominantly worked as a head coach in recent years. He spent parts of six seasons in that role with the Penguins, making the playoffs each time while winning the Stanley Cup back in his first year with the team in 2009. He also served as the bench boss in Buffalo in 2015-16 and 2016-17 but his teams posted a sub-.500 record in both years which resulted in him being let go along with GM Tim Murray last spring.
Worth noting is that Blashill is entering the final year of his contract. If the team struggles out of the gate, Detroit now has a veteran replacement on their bench that could step into the role at any time.
Now no other team can complain about their coaching staff.
Blashill – “Dan will serve as a living, breathing ‘handwriting on the wall.’”
Good that he is going to a organization with class that’s won’t let one player run him out of town
Why does no one like Dan? I don’t get it. Is it because he sucked with bad teams and only won a Cup because of Crosby? Or is there more to it?
I have a feeling Blashill is done and this is an emergency replacement when he fails