Jeff Blashill is back in the NHL!

UPDATE: It's official, the Chicago Blackhawks have hired Jeff Blashill as their new head coach.

Read below for our earlier report on Blashill's hiring, published by Hockey Feed staff writer Chris Gosselin.

The Chicago Blackhawks have reportedly found their new head coach. David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period has just revealed how the Hawks are expected to make the official announcement later today or on Thursday, in which Chicago’s new bench boss will be introduced.

Pagnotta also believes that all signs point to former Detroit Red Wings coach and current Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Jeff Blashill filling the head coaching vacancy in Chicago.

The reporter also expected additional changes to the coaching staff to also be announced.

In seven seasons as the Red Wings head coach from 2015-16 through 2021-22, Blashill put together a record of 163-231-61, making the playoffs just once in his first season. Prior to taking over as Detroit’s coach, he led the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins to a championship back in 2013 and made the playoffs in the next two years.

There is a belief that current interim head coach Anders Sorensen will remain with the Blackhawks in some capacity, possibly as an assistant coach.

More details will emerge once the Blackhawks make the announcement official.