Derek King is staying with the Chicago Blackhawks after all.
The Hawks hired the former interim head coach as an assistant coach, along with former Boston Bruins assistant coach Kevin Dean for first-time bench chief Luke Richardson.
Goalkeeping coach Jimmy Waite and video coach Matt Meacham will also return to the Hawks’ staff.
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“It’s great to have this experienced staff behind the bench with me,” Richardson said in a statement. “Derek has made an impact here at this organization and I am thrilled to have someone like him join our staff. Kevin’s mind for the game and defensive approach will be an advantage for us. It’s great to have the cornerstone of this group of trainers finalized and we’ll continue to add some pieces.”
King, 55, was named interim coach on November 6 after the Hawks fired Jeremy Colliton following the franchise’s worst start at 1-9-2. King led the Hawks to a 27-33-10 finish.
He was a finalist for the permanent job before the Hawks signed Richardson late last month. However, general manager Kyle Davidson said he considered keeping King in some capacity because of his character and positive effect on the organization.
King, a former New York Islanders forward, was also the head coach of the Rockford IceHogs before taking over the Hawks for Colliton.
Dean was on the Bruins’ staff for playoff runs in five seasons, including reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2019. He was also the head coach of the AHL Providence Bruins.
The former defenseman was a fifth-round pick by the New Jersey Devils in the 1987 draft and played seven seasons in the NHL, including part of 1999-00 and the entire 2000-01 season.