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Published on:

28th Nov 2025

Jeff Blashill: How to Develop Superstars & Rebuild the Chicago Blackhawks

Jeff Blashill, head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks, joins the show to discuss his mission to rebuild one of hockey's most storied franchises. After proving his ability to develop young talent during his tenure with the Detroit Red Wings, Blashill shares his vision for turning around a Blackhawks team that has missed the playoffs five straight seasons. From his philosophy on building a winning culture to his approach with superstar Connor Bedard, Blashill provides an inside look at the foundation being laid in Chicago.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] - Jeff Blashill joins the show and reflects on the privilege of coaching two Original Six franchises - the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks.

[02:00] - Growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and being a Lake Superior State Lakers fan before playing at Western Michigan University.

[04:00] - Blashill's playing days as a goaltender and how that position influences his coaching perspective today.

[06:00] - Western Michigan's national championship victory and the years of foundation-building that led to that historic achievement.

[09:00] - Blashill's first message to the Blackhawks: focusing on culture over immediate wins, drawing parallels to Dan Campbell's Lions and Jimmy Johnson's Cowboys.

[11:00] - The game-to-game approach: building defensive fundamentals while leveraging the team's speed and offensive talent.

[13:00] - How developing Dylan Larkin in Detroit prepared Blashill to work with elite young talent like Connor Bedard.

[15:00] - Improving Bedard's two-way game and why every young superstar must learn to defend - examples from Jack Eichel and other elite players.

[17:00] - The role of assistant coach Michael Peca, a two-time Selke Trophy winner, in teaching defensive fundamentals and two-way play.

[18:00] - The veteran leadership pieces: Nick Foligno, Connor Murphy, Tyler Bertuzzi, and the young defensive corps with size and skill.

[21:00] - Why offensive superstars like Joe Sakic, Steve Yzerman, and Doug Gilmour all had to develop their defensive games.

[22:00] - Pleasant surprises at training camp: Jason Dickinson, Ilya Mikheyev, and Alex Vlasic's progression.

[24:00] - High expectations for goaltender Spencer Knight and why good defense is essential for good goaltending.

[25:00] - The decision to keep Anders Sorensen as assistant coach after his interim head coaching role, and the strength of the entire coaching staff.

[27:00] - Coaching the best uniforms in hockey and the excitement of leading the Chicago Blackhawks forward.

X: https://twitter.com/NHLWraparound

Neil Smith: https://twitter.com/NYCNeil

Vic Morren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vic-morren-7038737/

NHL Wraparound Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhlwraparound/

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About the Podcast

NHL Wraparound Podcast
Neil Smith & Vic Morren
Breadth and depth.
Contemporary and historical.
Straight-forward and experienced.
The NHL Wraparound podcast features Neil Smith, President-General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers and longtime ESPN/NHL veteran Vic Morren sharing no-nonsense opinions on news and issues around the National Hockey League.

Bringing decades of experience from their respective fields, Smith and Morren create a unique partnership that examines the NHL from multiple perspectives. Additionally, as hockey historians, the pair can delve into any topic in today’s game and enlighten the audience with connections to events from previous years. To truly appreciate where hockey stands today, one needs to understand its past.

With 2024 marking the 30th anniversary of the Rangers last championship season, a special five-part series is planned to commemorate that magical run. Expect fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and special guests with particular focus on the GM who pushed all of his chips into the middle of the table amidst the most pressurized environments – and came out on top.

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned fan, each episode of NHL Wraparound will leave you entertained and informed.


Bio’s
Neil S. Smith, highly regarded NHL executive, served as the President and General Manager of the 1994 Stanley Cup Champion New York Rangers. During his eleven years with the team, they achieved significant success, including three division titles, two Presidents’ Trophies, one Eastern Conference Championship, and a historic Stanley Cup victory—the franchise’s first in 54 years.

Known for his expertise in professional sports franchise economics, Smith played a pivotal role in management decisions under four different Rangers owners.. His tenure saw iconic trades and acquisitions, including Hall of Famers Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky, as well as successful drafts and free-agent signings.

Starting as a pro scout, Smith's career highlights include the impactful 1989 draft for the Detroit Red Wings and bold trades that shaped NHL history. He briefly served as GM for the New York Islanders in 2006, later working as a consultant for the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

A Toronto native, Smith's hockey journey began in junior leagues before a distinguished college career at Western Michigan University. He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including induction into the University's Sports Hall of Fame in 1991.

Vic Morren: Born in New York City close to the Old Madison Square Garden, Vic Morren has had hockey in his blood his entire life as a fan, player and television production manager.

A graduate of William Paterson University, Morren skated for three seasons with the Pioneers hockey club and became the first statistical analyst to apply his craft to telecasts working New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils games from 1984-87. He co-authored two NHL-based statistics books within that span before moving to ESPN in 1987 and working the final season of the original deal the network had with the NHL.
After departing in 1990, Morren worked as a studio producer for SportsChannel America’s NHL coverage and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics before returning to ESPN that fall where he worked all 12 seasons on the second ESPN/NHL deal and the first season of the most recent contract in 2021-22. Morren has also earned a Sports Emmy for his work on Sunday Night Football coverage in 2003.

His relationship with Neil Smith dates back 33 years through their mutual friendship with the late ESPN/ABC commentator John Saunders. Morren looks forward to NHL Wraparound and collaborating with Smith with the goal to provide an experience of contemporary viewpoints, historical spin and an overall enriching podcast experience.