Welcome to the latest edition of NHL rumours from our dedicated staff at Last Word. Today, we are diving deep into the ongoing search for a new head coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets, led by none other than Don Waddell.
The process of hiring Waddell himself was no easy task, but now the focus has shifted to finding the right bench boss for the Blue Jackets. Waddell, who currently serves as the president of hockey operations and general manager for Columbus, took on this new role in late May after stepping down from his position with the Carolina Hurricanes just a week prior. Now, he is tasked with the important job of finding a new leader for the Blue Jackets.
“Waddell has been very active in his short time in Columbus, and it will be interesting to see what will materialize from them,” says an insider. “They haven’t been flashy moves, but they’ve been savvy business ones – the very type that Waddell is renowned for throughout his career.” Notable moves, such as re-signing Yegor Chinakhov and trading away Alexandre Texier, have already been made. Additionally, the decision to part ways with former head coach Pascal Vincent shows that Waddell is serious about making necessary changes within the organization.
Two potential candidates who have emerged in the search for a new head coach are Dean Evason and Jay Woodcroft. Evason, known for his ability to build a strong team dynamic with skilled forwards and tight defensive play, could be a good fit for the Blue Jackets. With an impressive .639 winning percentage during his time with the Minnesota Wild, Evason has proven himself as a capable coach who could bring out the best in Columbus’ talented roster.
On the other hand, Jay Woodcroft brings a fresh perspective to the table. Despite facing high expectations in Edmonton, Woodcroft managed to maintain a .643 winning percentage over 133 regular season games. This opportunity with the Blue Jackets could provide him with the stability and support needed to further develop his coaching career.
As the search narrows down to these final candidates, it’s clear that Waddell is focused on making a smart and strategic decision for the Blue Jackets. Whether he chooses a candidate with NHL experience or not, one thing is certain – the new head coach will have big shoes to fill.
In the end, only time will tell who will lead the Columbus Blue Jackets into the next chapter of their franchise. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting coaching search in the NHL.
