TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Blashill has been named head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Blashill, a former head coach for Detroit and a college goaltender, spent the last three seasons as an assistant to Jon Cooper with the Lightning.

A 51-year-old Michigan native, Blashill coached the Red Wings for seven seasons, being let go during the 2021-22 season.

While Blashill had an underwhelming stay with Detroit, finishing with a 204-261-72 record, he has a player development background that likely was appealing for the rebuilding Blackhawks. He has coached in the AHL and USHL, along with the college ranks.

Blashill specialized in coaching defense and penalty kills for the Lightning.