HawkTalkChi

The Chicago Blackhawks haven’t even let the dust settle on their 2024–25 season, but speculation over who will lead the team behind the bench next year is already heating up.

And one name has rapidly taken center stage: David Carle.

The current Denver University head coach, who recently captured his second NCAA National Championship, has reportedly emerged as the Blackhawks’ No. 1 candidate to fill their vacant head coaching role.

The Hawks have had about 5 months to put their list together and there’s one name at the very top that’s been circled…David Carle

said NHL insider Frank Seravalli during a segment on Chicago Sports Network late Tuesday night.

Carle’s résumé is impressive.

In addition to dominating the collegiate level, he led Team USA to gold at the World Junior Championship and has become one of the most respected rising minds in coaching circles.

But there’s a catch — he’s turned down NHL offers before, reportedly prioritizing situations that match his vision.

He is not going (to the NHL) unless it’s a good situation, both financially & ‘path to victory-wise.’

He’s not going to go anywhere where he doesn’t see, even if it’s a rebuild, the kinds of players that have a path to victory

Elliotte Friedman of SportsNet noted.

That’s where Chicago may have an edge.

Despite finishing second-to-last in the NHL standings, the Blackhawks are building something intriguing.

With Connor Bedard, Frank Nazar, Kevin Korchinski, and Sam Rinzel forming a dynamic young core, the team’s long-term outlook could be enough to lure Carle from the NCAA to the NHL.

His ability to develop talent and establish winning cultures at multiple levels aligns perfectly with what the Blackhawks need — a modern coach who can grow alongside the team’s prospects and help guide them from rebuild to relevance.

Of course, nothing is finalized yet.

Chicago has not conducted formal interviews, and multiple other candidates could emerge.

But if Carle is truly circled at the top of Davidson’s board, the pitch is already being crafted — and it will need to be convincing.

Hiring the right coach this summer may be the single most important move in shaping the next era of Blackhawks hockey.

With over $34 million in cap space and one of the league’s best prospect pools, the timing is right. Now it’s about finding the right leader to make it all click.