Top 4 Chicago Blackhawks head coach replacements after firing Luke Richardson feat. Joel Quenneville 

The Chicago Blackhawks have fired Luke Richardson 26 games into the season. The head coach was in the third and final year of his contract. While the Blackhawks had a fourth-year option, the club decided it was time to move on.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on X/Twitter that Anders Sorensen will take over as head coach in an interim capacity, but is likely to be among the frontrunners for the official head coaching role at the end of the season.

Here’s a closer look at four potential replacements for the Chicago Blackhawks' head coaching position.

Top 4 Chicago Blackhawks head coach replacements

#4. Anders Sorensen

Sorensen becomes the first Swedish-born coach to take over a head coaching role, according to NHL.com. Sorensen was promoted to the interim head coaching position after spending time as head coach of the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.

Sorensen could have the insider track on the job in the summer, but there’s a chance that GM Kyle Davidson may want to go with a more experienced coach, particularly in light of Connor Bedard’s continuing development.

#3. Jay Woodcroft

Woodcroft was a finalist for several head coaching jobs this summer, including the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets. However, the former Edmonton Oilers bench boss was not selected for any other coaching position.

Woodcroft spent some time as an assistant coach under Andre Tourigny in last year’s World Championships. Woodcroft beings experience and savvy that could help the Blackhawks’ mix of veterans and youngsters escape the Western Conference cellar.

#2. Bruce Boudreau

Boudreau has an extensive coaching record, last leading the Vancouver Canucks during parts of the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. He’s coached in over 1,000 games, winning 617. Boudreau has led the Washington Capitals, Anaheim Ducks, Minnesota Wild and Canucks, getting as far as the Conference Finals with the Ducks in 2015.

Boudreau provides experience, leadership, and an overall strong knowledge of hockey. He’s a respected NHL figure who could command respect from both veterans and young players alike.

#1. Joel Quenneville

A reunion with recently reinstated Joel Quenneville could be the answer the Chicago Blackhawks are looking for. Quenneville won three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks during this tenure from 2008 to 2019.

Quenneville was behind the bench for 797 games with the Blackhawks, winning 452 along with three Cups. While Quenneville and the Hawks had somewhat of a tough falling out, he could be just what the club needs at this point to turn things around.

While most would likely scoff at the thought of Quenneville returning to Chicago, it’s worth looking at what the Buffalo Sabres did with Lindy Ruff, whose return helped the Sabres get back into contention.

Who do you think the Chicago Blackhawks should hire as their next head coach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.