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Don Waddell is the Columbus Blue Jackets |
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The Columbus Blue Jackets have made their biggest organizational move of the decade with the hiring of Don Waddell. The last seismic shift that has happened to this magnitude was February of 2013 with the hiring of Jarmo Kekalainen for now AHL Comissioner Scott Howson.
Waddell joins an ever growing list of staff from the unmentioned state north of Ohio. The Detroit native turns 66 this summer and holds the keys and hats for the Blue Jackets brass. Waddell will serve as team President of hockey operations and general manager for the Blue Jackets. Waddell and John Davidson will now both serve as alternate governors for the organization.
This is his second stint in the Buckeye state, serving time with the Toledo Goaldiggers of the IHL from the years 1984-1986. Skating for parts of two seasons with the club, Waddell had 110 points and 125 penalty minutes in 105 games.
The American is also a rare breed of having played only one NHL game in his career, with the pre-Gretzky Los Angeles Kings.
Mister Waddell served in management roles in the IHL from 1985-1995 with three different teams.
Waddell became the hockey ops guy in Orlando for two full season from 1995-1997.
In 97, Ken Holland recruited him to Detroit, where he won glory with the 1998 Stanley Cup as the assistant general manager of the Red Wings while managing the AHL team in Adirondack.
The expansion Atlanta Thrashers buried him in Georgia as their only manager until they relocated to Winnipeg, where he was then axed for Kevin Chevyadeloff.
Not jobless for long, he was hired under the Shero regime in Pittsburgh before the Rutherford era began as a pro scout.
He took Rutherford’s job in Carolina as President until Ron Francis was dismissed. Waddell took both President and GM in Carolina until the conclusion of the second round of their playoff round against the New York Rangers.
During his time in Carolina, he went the the playoffs every season, including two Eastern Conference finals appearances (2019 and 2023).
Waddell coming to Columbus provides a proven winner and a manager that can can get his teams deep.
Managing the salary cap while taking risks is something this guy can do and bring value back to his franchise.
Having no loyalty to the players is also a risk for the guys on the present roster while his previous players become available through trade or free agency.
Now, do we immediately throw the rumors of Martin Necas, Brady Skjei, or Brett Pesce to the Blue Jackets? Doubtful.
President Waddell owns one of the deepest prospect pools in the league. Lots of work ahead for the new man in charge.
More is coming.
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • 
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