DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings are bringing coach Jeff Blashill for a fourth season, sticking with him while they rebuild after missing the
"I'm big on experience," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said after announcing the decision on Tuesday.
Detroit extended its
"I'm certainly glad to still be the coach of the Detroit Red Wings. It's a job I love," Blashill said. "I'm excited about moving this franchise ... where everybody wants it."
The Detroit native will coach the U.S. team at the IIHF World Hockey Championship — for the second straight year — next month in Denmark.
The Red Wings hired Blashill in 2015 after Mike Babcock's contract expired and the Toronto Maple Leafs gave him a $50 million, eight-year contract. Blashill was on Babcock's bench in Detroit as an assistant during the 2011-12 season. He went on to coach the Grand Rapids Griffins, leading the Red Wings' American Hockey League affiliate for three successful seasons. Blashill also led Western Michigan University for one season, helping the Broncos reach the CCHA championship game for the first time since 1986.
"He's gotten better," Detroit
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Larry Lage, The Associated Press