The Nashville Predators have announced today that they have hired former Chicago Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson to serve as assistant coach. He will replace former Predators assistant coach Todd Richards.

The 56 year old Luke Richardson has over a decade of coaching experience. He was the Hawks bench boss as head coach from the 22-23 season up until December of last year when he was let go by the organization after a poor start to the season. During his time in Chicago, Richardson registered a record of 57-118-15. His .316 win percentage over that time is among the worst in NHL history among coaches with at least 100 games of experience. Although to be fair, Luke was also handed the keys to a Hawks team in the middle of a rebuild. He did not have much to work with there. 

In addition to his time behind the Hawks bench, Richardson has been an assistant coach for three NHL teams: The Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens. He was also the head coach of the AHL's Binghamton Senators for 4 seasons. 

Luke Richardson had an extensive NHL playing career that lasted 1,417 games over 20 seasons as a stay at home defenseman. 

Richardson will look to aid a Nashville Predators squad led by Andrew Brunette at the helm that is undergoing a retool. After a disastrous season last year that saw the Preds finish as the 4th worst team in the NHL, Richardson will look to help turn this team around. We'll see if his defensive dump and chase style will mesh with this rebuilding group.