Connor Bedard’s Blackhawks reach final decision on Anders Sorensen’s future as new head coach is reportedly set in stone

The Chicago Blackhawks are determined to leave the 2024–25 NHL season behind and watch it fade into a distant—yet painful—memory in the rearview mirror. To do that, they must undergo a series of drastic changes in hopes of lighting a fire under Connor Bedard and the rest of the team. On that note, reports have emerged indicating that the new head coach’s arrival is all but official, and a decision has been made regarding Anders Sorensen’s future after he was appointed interim coach midway through last season.

The Blackhawks are far from being considered a serious threat in the NHL, but they’ve shown some beacons of hope during the past campaign—especially near the end of it, and under Sorensen. The franchise seems to have found part of its youth core, but is still missing important presences in the lineup and in the bench.

The latter might be awfully close to becoming a closed chapter, as the announcement of the 38th head coach in Blackhawks history is reportedly in the works and nearly ready to be unveiled.

However, the news of a brand-new head coach’s appointment might not imply Sorensen is living his final hours at the helm of Bedard’s Chicago. In that regard, reports indicate the Blackhawks’ front office—led by general manager Kyle Davidson—has made a pivotal decision on Sorensen’s stay in the Windy City.

Here to stay

“Word out of Chicago is the Blackhawks have found their new Head Coach (all signs point to Jeff Blashill, we shall see). An announcement is expected later today or Thursday, and will include additional coaching staff changes. Sounds like Sorensen will stay with the club in some capacity,” NHL Network insider David Pagnotta reported on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

“I’m hearing Anders Sorensen will remain on the NHL coaching staff as an assistant; Blashill will also bring in two other new assistants to join a new staff in Chicago,” Tab Bamford from Bleacher Nation stated.

Things are getting interesting

The reported hiring of Jeff Blashill is making waves within the organization and putting pressure on Kyle Davidson, who appears to be going to bat for the former Detroit Red Wings head coach and current Tampa Bay Lightning assistant.

Hitting the nail on the head is paramount for Davidson and the Blackhawks, as fans grow increasingly anxious with each losing season—and with every moment where Connor Bedard’s potential goes to waste.

Donato trending to hit free agency

Following a breakout season alongside Bedard in a contract year, Ryan Donato is reportedly trending toward hitting the open market—Chicago has yet to reach an agreement with the center, and he may consider testing free agency in search of either greater job security or a bigger paycheck.

Several franchises are already peeking through the door, hoping to get ahold of the 29-year-old, who registered 62 points (31 G and 31 A) last season in his ninth NHL campaign. Having already played for five teams, Donato could be heading to his sixth, cementing his status as a true journeyman.

“There’s still time for a deal with the Blackhawks to get done, but it feels 99.9% likely that Ryan Donato is hitting free agency,” CHGO Blackhawks reported on X, formerly Twitter.

Watching Donato leave as a free agent would be a tough blow for the Hawks, who could have traded him during the season to a buyer at the deadline—and will now be left empty-handed instead. However, it might be the financial sacrifice they’re willing to make in hopes of making a splashy move for Mitch Marner in free agency.