(670 The Score) The Blackhawks have retained former interim head coach Derek King as an assistant, the team announced Monday.
King was named the Blackhawks' interim head coach last November after the organization fired Jeremy Colliton. King will now work under new head coach Luke Richardson. The 55-year-old King was in consideration for the Blackhawks' full-time head coaching role before Richardson was hired.
King previously served as head coach of the Blackhawks' AHL affiliate in Rockford from 2019-'21.
The Blackhawks on Monday also hired Kevin Dean as an assistant coach. Goaltending coach Jimmy Waite and video coach Matt Meacham were retained on Richardson's staff.
Dean, 53, served as an assistant for the Bruins from 2017-'22.
“It’s great to have this experienced staff with me behind the bench,” Richardson said in a statement. “Derek has made an impact here on this organization and I’m thrilled to have someone like him on our staff. Kevin’s mind for the game and defensive focus will be an asset for us. It’s great to have the cornerstone of this coaching group finalized and we will continue to add a few pieces.”
The Blackhawks officially hired Richardson as their new head coach on June 27. The team went 28-42-12 last season.
Under the leadership of first-year general manager Kyle Davidson, the Blackhawks have embarked on a full rebuild, which included trading star forward Alex DeBrincat and promising young center Kirby Dach last week to stockpile more draft picks.
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