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Vincent (23-24) | Vacant (24-25) |
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Pascal Vincent - 2023-2024
After one NHL regular season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have decided to relieve head coach Pascal Vincent of his duties with the organization per President of Hockey Operations and General Maanger, Don Waddell.
While not announcing a replacement, Waddell also mentioned the search for the new bench boss would begin effective immediately.
Vincent joined the Blue Jackets in 2021 as an associate coach under new Flames’ assistant coach Brad Larsen, and was handed the role of head coach after a backfiring attempt at Mike Babcock.
Injuries up and down the lineup with poor goaltending are factors into the dismissal of the rookie coach that was thrown the book at the last minute.
Whether it was a fair shake or not, the results and old regime is continuing to get the boot. Last place in the Metropolitan with the additions of Adam Fantilli; Dmitry Voronkov; Ivan Provorov; and Damon Severson.
Hopefully he gets a fair shake in another organization soon in a different role.
Who is Next?
Blue Jackets’ management is starting fresh by looking to NHL experience. LeBrun of TSN and the Atheltic has suggested Todd McLellan, Dean Evason, Jay Woodcroft and Jeff Blashill. Friedman from 32 Thoughts suggested Todd McLellan, Claude Julien, Jay Woodcroft, Bob Hartley, and Todd Nelson as potential HC candidates.
Winning and experience are key. McLellan and Waddell for their Detroit days; and Woodcroft to the WCF would be the top two. Hartley is the rumored dark horse.
If it’s me, here is where I would go based on who is available
1. Woodcroft - young and has gone deep already.
2. McLellan - many playoff experiences despite never winning as main boss.
3. Julien - the winningest pedigree
4. Nelson - winning AHL pedigree (how he handled Cleveland)
5. Hartley - Waddell interest
6. Evason - playoff experience just round one
7 Blashill - playoff experience for one season
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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