DOUG HOUDA

Jeff Blashill was the only NHL coach many Detroit Red Wings played under, including all the younger ones who came up through the system. Like everyone knows he’s a great person. I’ll take that for the rest of my career for sure.”Sam Gagner: “Blash is a great person. Doug Houda, a great person. As a player, you’re appreciative of that.

The Detroit Red Wings have fired coach Jeff Blashill after seven seasons behind the bench.

The Detroit Red Wings announced Saturday that the team will not renew contracts for its head coach or two other coaches.

When Steve Yzerman summoned Grand Rapids Griffins coach Ben Simon to Detroit to fill in for Jeff Blashill for a game, he gave him a bit of advice. Whether or not Simon, 43, realizes his dream to coach in the NHL one day, he will always remember this experience. “Knowing the people in Detroit, how prepared Jeff Blashill and his staff are, it was going to be a fun experience regardless. “Jeff Blashill, two of his biggest strengths are his communication skills and his preparation,” Simon said. After, Larkin gave Simon, Houda and Krygier each a puck.

DETROIT – Coach Jeff Blashill, assistant coach Alex Tanguay and three Detroit Red Wings players have been placed in COVID-19 protocol, the team announced this morning. In addition to Blashill and Tanguay, the club put Givani Smith, Carter Rowney and Alex Nedeljkovic in protocol. With Blashill and Tanguay out for tonight’s home game against the New Jersey Devils, Red Wings assistant coach Doug Houda will be joined behind the bench by Grand Rapids Griffins head coach Ben Simon and assistant coach Todd Krygier. The Red Wings have one more game remaining before the NHL’s annual holiday break. MORE:Red Wings Dec. 20 game vs. Colorado postponed by COVIDRed Wings-Devils faceoff, start time

Detroit Red Wings fans somewhat understand the team retaining Jeff Blashill, who has struggled to one of the worst win percentages in team history.