REPORT: Friedman Says Sharks Considering Jeff Blashill As Head Coach; Marek Theorizes Marco Sturm To San Jose
On the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Elliotte Friedman says the San Jose Sharks are considering Jeff Blashill as the next head coach, while his co-host Jeff Marek has a theory that Marco Sturm could join the Sharks organization.
"I am going to put another name here, and it is a new one. It is Jeff Blashill from Tampa Bay," Friedman said. "Former head coach of [the Detroit Red Wings]. I would like to see Jeff Blashill get a second chance. I like to see what people learn after their first time through. I think Blashill is someone they are considering."
Blashill has been an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2022. He coached the Red Wings from 2015 to 2022. He has extensive developmental coaching experience, having also been the head coach for the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins and the head coach of Western Michigan in the NCAA from 2010 to 2011.
Blashill also has experience as an assistant coach in the NCAA and was a GM/head coach in the USHL for the Indiana Ice.
Blashill went 204-261-72 as the head coach of the Red Wings. He made the postseason during his first season but lost in five games to the Lightning.
Jeff Marek theorized Marco Sturm would be a good fit for the Sharks as the next head coach. Although Sturm has been rumored, there hasn't been any substantial evidence supporting he is under consideration.
"I am getting to the point where I think the Los Angeles Kings are going to have to make a decision on Sturm," Friedman said. "Is he going to proceed with their organization, or is he going to have to end up somewhere else?"
Marek chimed in with his theory.
"Well, you know my theory is San Jose," he said.
Sturm is currently the head coach of the AHL's Ontario Reign, which is still in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Sturm played eight years in San Jose, from 1997 to 2005. He was among the leading players the Sharks traded to Boston for Joe Thornton.
Sturm has been the head coach of Germany's national team, an assistant coach for the Kings, and now the head coach of their AHL team. He's been the head coach of the Reign since 2022. With his track record, he is one of the best coaching candidates for the entire NHL.
The Sharks' coaching interview reports have been quiet. Only Sheng Peng's report that assistant coach Ryan Warsofsky has been interviewed is now known. Add Blashill to the list of reported coaches, but nothing has been said about whether he's been interviewed.
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