A Season of Struggles
The 2022-23 NHL season has been nothing short of a tumultuous ride for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Under the leadership of Pascal Vincent, the team struggled mightily, ending the season with a dismal 27-43-12 record. This performance landed them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and fourth-last in the entire league.
The misfortunes of the Blue Jackets were highlighted by several rough patches. They missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season and endured a particularly brutal November, where they suffered nine straight losses and managed to win only three of their 15 games. These bleak results were exacerbated by eight separate three-game losing streaks, with the season concluding on a sour note following a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
Defensive issues plagued the Blue Jackets throughout the season, allowing the second-most goals per game in the NHL. Their offensive performance was equally concerning, boasting the second-worst power play and ranking in the bottom 10 for penalty kills. Offensively, the team fared little better, recording the 24th fewest goals per game.
Leadership Changes
The challenging season prompted significant changes within the organization. In February, the Blue Jackets parted ways with General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been with the team since the 2012-13 season. In his place, the Blue Jackets hired Don Waddell in May. Waddell, formerly the General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, was appointed to take on the dual roles of GM and President of Hockey Operations. His main task involves steering the organization in a new direction, starting with addressing the head coaching position.
Vincent's Short Tenure
Pascal Vincent's tenure with the Blue Jackets was marked by unusual circumstances. He initially joined the team as an assistant coach for the 2021-22 season but was promoted to head coach after Mike Babcock's unexpected resignation just before the regular season started. Babcock stepped down amid allegations of violating players' privacy.
Despite the challenging conditions, Vincent was commended for his dedication and hard work. However, it became apparent that a change was necessary. The organization's leadership expressed their gratitude to Vincent for his professionalism, work ethic, and contributions during his three seasons.
Looking Forward
With Vincent's departure, the Blue Jackets are now the only team in the NHL with a head coaching vacancy. Around the league, eight teams have either hired new coaches or promoted interim coaches to permanent roles, with the San Jose Sharks recently adding Ryan Warsofsky to their ranks.
The incoming head coach will face the daunting task of revamping and revitalizing the squad. With numerous areas needing improvement, Blue Jackets fans are cautiously optimistic that new leadership can breathe life into the team. The franchise is set to embark on a new chapter, with hopes of restoring past glories and achieving renewed success.
In closing, words from Don Waddell encapsulate the sentiment within the organization: "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. 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."
The upcoming season will certainly be a critical one for the Blue Jackets as they look to turn the page and write a new success story. Only time will tell if the changes in leadership will produce the desired results, but for now, the fans and the team prepare to face the hard work that lies ahead with a sense of cautious optimism.