Blackhawks: Why Chicago can’t fire Jeremy Colliton just yet
By Ryan Fedrau
The Chicago Blackhawks will hopefully be looking for a new coach come June 2020. As for now, the team has to stick with him for the remainder of the season.
When Jeremy Colliton took over as head coach for the Chicago Blackhawks, I was shocked. I knew Joel Quenneville was towards the end of his run but I never thought he’d be fired. Firing Quenneville set the Blackhawks back early on and then they progressed as the season went on. The team missed the playoffs by six-points after a terrible start.
Now, going into 2020, many Blackhawks’ fans want Coach Colliton to get fired. I don’t love him as the Blackhawks head coach but there isn’t anyone to replace him. Marc Crawford isn’t with the team right now due to allegations that he since apologized for. Sheldon Brookbank isn’t head coach material. There just isn’t someone who could take over and have it make sense.
After the Blackhawks lost 7-1 to the Devils last Monday, I’ve had it with Coach Colliton. I see the optimism with coaches and players but I have lost all hope with him. Colliton is too relaxed, won’t fight like Quenneville did, and has lost the locker room. This team needs something to change things up. Colliton did his best but he wasn’t the answer.
It’s tough for a coach to come in after a legend like Quenneville. Colliton handed the situation well for what little he could bring. In the off-season, the team made some key moves. Adding depth to both the forwards and defensive groups was positive. Signing Robin Lehner was such a steal. Still, after everything, this team cannot win.
The team doesn’t seem to have that winning passion they did during those Stanley Cup runs. Something does need to change. The issue is Colliton but the bigger issue has to do with no one being there to take his role. That is why the team cannot fire him just yet.
In the off-season, the Blackhawks’ front office needs to take a long look in the mirror. Stan Bowman needs to either resign or get fired. Jeremy Colliton needs to go. Even John McDonough needs to go.
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Something isn’t right in Chicago. This team has fallen off the edge since 2017 and someone needs to fix this mess. Fans are certain the front office needs a change and I’m with them. In the off-season, there needs to be a cleaning of the front office and have the team start over.