While Blashill had an underwhelming seven-year stay with Detroit, finishing with a 204-261-72 record, he has a player development background that likely was appealing for the rebuilding Blackhawks.

It started in 2015 when Bertuzzi joined the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins for their postseason run after finishing his OHL career. Blashill was behind the bench then, too. Bertuzzi made an immediate impact, finishing second on the team with seven goals and third with 12 points in 14 playoff games. Now, a decade later, the two are reunited in Chicago.