2-Time Champion Head Coach David Carle Turns Down One Interested NHL Team
David Carle has become the most sought-after young head coach in hockey after leading the University of Denver to two NCAA national titles in three seasons, and another trip to the Frozen Four this year. But with NHL teams swarming around him with offers, Carle has now reportedly turned down one interested team, in the Chicago Blackhawks.
Hearing that David Carle has withdrawn from consideration for the Chicago Blackhawks coaching job.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 26, 2025
The Blackhawks definitely made an aggressive pursuit
Insider Elliotte Friedman is hearing that despite an "aggressive pursuit" of Carle, the Blackhawks were not able to convince him to join their rebuild program, which is still at the very beginning stages.
It's thought that Carle, 35, would be an ideal fit for a young team, as he has proven his skills at player and team development with what he's done with the Pioneers at UD over the past several years. Carle has led Denver to a 148-62-16 overall record in his six years at the helm, including those two national titles in 2022 and 2024.
Blackhawks turned down by David Carle
We had heard earlier this month that the Blackhawks were preparing a 'major offer' to try to woo Carle, that they wanted him "badly" and were ready to "show him the money." One source even told James Murphy that "I think that job is his if he wants it."
Obviously, he didn't.
5 others teams pursuing David Carle for head coaching vacancy
There are several other teams with head coaching vacancies that are also pursuing Carle, including the NY Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Utah HC and Seattle Kraken.
Of that list, the Rangers and Bruins would be the closest to getting back to being Stanley Cup contenders, if that's what Carle is searching for.
It will take a huge offer to pry Carle loose from the great situation he has going in Denver.
Photo: © Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
