Blackhawks coaches Crawford, Cookson won't be back
The Blackhawks confirmed Sunday that associate coach Marc Crawford and assistant coach Rob Cookson will not return next season.
"They have each made significant contributions to our club and we appreciate their dedication," the Hawks said in a statement. "We wish them the best in their future endeavors."
Crawford had one more year remaining on his contract, while Cookson's deal is expiring.
Crawford, who won a Stanley Cup as head coach of Colorado in 1995-96, has 556 victories with five franchises.
He spent the last three seasons with the Hawks, taking on a more significant role after Jeremy Colliton was fired Nov. 6, 2021. Crawford was in charge of the defense and often ran large portions of the team's practices.
Cookson was previously an assistant with HC Lugano before coming to the Hawks as an assistant in November.
General manager Kyle Davidson, who will meet with the media Tuesday, will begin interviewing for the head-coaching position in the coming days and weeks. Interim coach Derek King, who went 27-33-10 after taking over for Colliton, will be a candidate.
Allan, Dach to IceHogs:
The Hawks assigned defenseman Nolan Allan and forward Colton Dach to the Rockford IceHogs on Sunday. Allan, selected 32nd overall in 2021, led all Prince Albert blue liners this season with 34 assists. Dach, taken 62nd overall in 2021, led Kelowna with 79 points and 50 assists and tied for the team lead in goals with 29.
The IceHogs begin a best-of-three playoff series against Texas on Wednesday in Rockford.