John Torchetti hired as Red Wings assistant coach

After a long search, it looks like the Red Wings finally found the perfect match. John Torchetti, former interim head coach of the Minnesota Wild will fill the role of assistant coach. Torchetti will be in control of the power play and the forwards next year. Was Torchetti the best person for the job? What exactly does he bring to the table?

After interviewing a fair amount of candidates the Red Wings decided on Torchetti. It doesn’t necessarily feel like he is the best person for the job, yet he is filling a need. After taking over a floundering Minnesota Wild, he was able to lead them to the playoffs. If Blashill doesn’t start off strong, they will have a replacement at the ready. It has to be disconcerting for Blashill, who seems to be getting a shorter and shorter leash. Is GM Ken Holland that worried about their future with Jeff Blashill?

The guys over at Winging It In Motown brought up a seemingly innocuous connection between Torchetti and Alexander Radulov. Torchetti coached CSKA Moscow in 2013 and his time as a coach overlaps with Radulov. Is this just a coincidence or is something more at play? Every little bit helps and if they are really trying to pursue the forward than this is a good move. 

Reviving a stagnant Wild team is a good accomplishment and is a safe choice, much like Todd Richards would have been. He has thirty years in the business and is an NHL lifer. You know what you are going with him and I guess safe is good if you are the Red Wings. Don’t want to disrupt the status quo.