A Season of Struggles
The 2022-23 season was one of the most challenging in recent memory for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Under the stewardship of head coach Pascal Vincent, the team seemed to be in a perpetual state of floundering. The Blue Jackets finished the season with a disappointing 27-43-12 record, earning them the fewest points in the Eastern Conference. Only three teams across the entire NHL fared worse, leaving Columbus with the fourth-fewest points overall.
Such a dismal performance naturally meant missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, a streak that has increasingly frustrated the team's supporters. Among the season's lowlights was a debilitating nine-game losing streak in November. Throughout that month, the Blue Jackets managed to win just three of their 15 games, setting the tone for what would be a season of relentless struggle. Additionally, the team experienced eight separate three-game losing streaks, culminating in a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
Defensive issues plagued the team as they allowed the second-most goals per game in the league. Their offensive struggles were no less pronounced; the Blue Jackets had the second-worst power play and their penalty kill ranked in the bottom 10. They also scored the 24th fewest goals per game, a statistic that underscores the team's comprehensive struggles on both sides of the ice.
Leadership Changes
Changes in leadership were inevitable given the disappointing performance. In February, the organization parted ways with General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been with the Blue Jackets since the 2012-13 season. The move signaled a clear desire for a fresh start and a new direction.
In May, the Blue Jackets hired Don Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, to assume dual roles as the General Manager and President of Hockey Operations. Waddell's immediate challenge was to address the head coaching position, a task that has become the focal point of his early tenure.
Vincent’s Short Tenure
Pascal Vincent's journey with the Blue Jackets began in the 2021-22 season when he was hired as an assistant coach. His promotion to head coach came under extraordinary circumstances after Mike Babcock resigned just a month before the regular season, amid allegations of violating players' privacy.
Despite the tumultuous start, Vincent was commended for his dedication and hard work. However, the organization ultimately decided that a change behind the bench was necessary. “As I spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I found him to be an outstanding person and a smart hockey coach who worked very hard under trying circumstances,” stated a team executive. "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
As the Blue Jackets canvass for a new head coach, they find themselves as the only NHL team with a coaching vacancy. In recent weeks, eight NHL teams have hired a new coach or promoted an interim coach to a permanent role, with the San Jose Sharks' addition of Ryan Warsofsky being the most recent.
The incoming head coach will face the formidable task of revamping the squad and addressing the multiple areas where improvement is essential. The Blue Jackets and their loyal fan base are hopeful that new leadership will bring a much-needed reinvigoration to the team.
The franchise is poised to embark on a new chapter, with the hope of restoring past glories and achieving renewed success at the forefront of their ambitions. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, there is a sense of cautious optimism among the Blue Jackets’ faithful that better days are on the horizon.