A Season of Struggles
The 2022-2023 season is one the Columbus Blue Jackets and their fans will want to forget quickly. Under the leadership of head coach Pascal Vincent, the team ended with a disappointing 27-43-12 record. This performance left them with the fewest points in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-fewest across the entire NHL. The Blue Jackets missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, a painful streak for any franchise and its supporters.
November was particularly devastating, as the Blue Jackets endured nine straight losses and managed to win only three out of their fifteen games. The season was plagued by a series of losing streaks, including eight separate three-game skids and a final four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13. Defensively, the team struggled significantly, allowing the second-most goals per game in the league. Their power play performance was abysmal, ranking second-worst, while the penalty kill was among the bottom ten. Offensively, they didn’t fare much better, scoring the 24th fewest goals per game. These statistics paint a grim picture of a team in desperate need of change.
Leadership Changes
Recognizing the urgent need for a turnaround, the Blue Jackets made significant changes in their leadership structure. In February, the team parted ways with General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been a part of the organization since the 2012-13 season. With the search for a new leader on, the Blue Jackets found their answer in Don Waddell. Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, was brought in late May to fulfill the dual roles of GM and President of Hockey Operations.
Waddell's immediate task was to address the head coaching situation. Vincent's tenure had been short and fraught with difficulties, and it was clear that a new direction was needed. Waddell's experience and success with the Hurricanes made him a suitable candidate to steer the Blue Jackets towards a new chapter.
Vincent's Short Tenure
The journey of Pascal Vincent with the Blue Jackets began in the 2021-22 season when he was hired as an assistant coach. His promotion to head coach under unexpected circumstances came following the resignation of Mike Babcock less than a month before the regular season. Babcock stepped down amid allegations of violating players' privacy, thrusting Vincent into a challenging role.
Despite his dedication and hard work, Vincent could not overcome the obstacles that plagued the team. The organization's statement underlined the appreciation for Vincent's efforts: "As I spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I found him to be an outstanding person and smart hockey coach who worked very hard under trying circumstances," Waddell said. "But I believe a change behind the bench is in our team's best interest. On behalf of our organization, I want to thank Pascal for his work ethic, professionalism, and contributions during his three seasons with the Blue Jackets."
Looking Forward
The Blue Jackets now find themselves as the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy. As the organization searches for new leadership, the fans hold on to cautious optimism. The recent moves have already started a ripple of hope among the Blue Jackets' faithful, who are eager to see their team rise from the ashes of past seasons.
The incoming coach will face an uphill battle. Revamping the squad and improving performance across the board will be critical. The last hiring in the NHL was Ryan Warsofsky by the San Jose Sharks, signaling a competitive environment for securing talented head coaches. The Blue Jackets' goal will be to find a leader who can not only address their current deficiencies but also inspire a winning culture moving forward.
With Waddell at the helm, the franchise aims to draw from his experience and his proven track record of building successful teams. The organization is poised to embark on a new chapter, aiming to restore past glories and achieve renewed success. As Waddell aptly put it, "As I spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I found him to be an outstanding person and smart hockey coach who worked very hard under trying circumstances. But I believe a change behind the bench is in our team's best interest."
The Blue Jackets and their fans look forward with hope, ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The coming season will be critical in setting the tone for the franchise's future, and the anticipation for positive change is palpable in Columbus.