In a stunning turn of events, the Chicago Blackhawks are reportedly making a bold move to name Montreal Canadiens head coach as their next bench boss, should current head coach Luke Richardson be replaced. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the hockey world, given St. Louis’ rising stature in Montreal and the young, rebuilding core of the Blackhawks.
A Move That No One Saw Coming
St. Louis, a Hall of Fame player with a reputation for inspiring his teams with skill and determination, has been praised for his ability to develop young players since taking over the Canadiens’ coaching duties in 2022. Under his leadership, rising stars like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki have thrived, which makes him a highly coveted candidate for teams focusing on building around youth.
The Blackhawks, who are in the early stages of a rebuild centered on generational talent Connor Bedard, appear to see St. Louis as the ideal leader for their next era. His experience in nurturing young talent aligns perfectly with Chicago’s future vision.
Why the Change?
While Richardson has been steering the Blackhawks through their rebuild with steady hands, speculation has grown regarding his long-term fit with the team’s trajectory. Chicago’s front office might believe a fresh voice like St. Louis could accelerate development and help maximize the potential of their budding superstars.
However, acquiring St. Louis would not come easy. He is currently under contract with the Canadiens, and Chicago would need to secure Montreal’s agreement to release him or negotiate a deal that benefits both parties. The potential cost — whether in compensation or optics — could add layers of complexity to this already surprising rumor.
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