The Columbus Blue Jackets have officially ended their search for a new head coach by naming Dean Evason as their new leader. The announcement came as a surprise to many in the hockey world, but the Blue Jackets organization is confident that they have found the right man for the job.
Evason brings a wealth of experience to the table, having won 147 games as a head coach, all with the Minnesota Wild. His tenure with the Wild was marked by success, as he led the team to multiple playoff appearances and was even a finalist for the prestigious Jack Adams Award in 2020-21. Despite a rough start to the 2023-24 season leading to his firing, Evason’s track record speaks for itself and has sparked hope within the Blue Jackets organization.
The Blue Jackets had a disappointing season last year, finishing in last place in the Eastern Conference with only 66 points. However, they took steps in the right direction at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, selecting promising center Cayden Lindstrom with the fourth overall pick and bringing back veteran defenseman Jack Johnson through free agency. With a solid foundation in place, Evason will look to turn things around in Columbus and lead the team to success.
Despite the excitement surrounding Evason’s hiring, the Blue Jackets still have some hurdles to navigate this offseason. One major issue is the status of forward Patrik Laine, who has been in the player assistance program since January. The team is interested in trading Laine as per his request, but potential suitors are unable to speak to him due to program rules. Despite this uncertainty, the Blue Jackets are eager to move forward with Evason at the helm.
As Evason prepares to take on his new role, he is focused on bringing success to Columbus and turning the Blue Jackets into a competitive team once again. With his experience and track record of success, there is optimism that the team is heading in the right direction under his leadership.
Overall, the Blue Jackets organization is excited for the future with Evason as head coach, and fans are eager to see what he can do to turn the team’s fortunes around. Stay tuned for updates as Evason is officially introduced at a press conference tomorrow morning.
Main photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Evason Will Look to Turn Things Around in Columbus
