A Season of Struggles
The Columbus Blue Jackets' 2022-23 campaign was nothing short of a season to forget. Under the leadership of head coach Pascal Vincent, the team faltered significantly, finishing with a dismal 27-43-12 record. This resulted in the Blue Jackets accumulating the fewest points in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-fewest points in the entire NHL. The team missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, prolonging the frustrations for their fervent fanbase.
November proved to be a particularly brutal month for Vincent's squad, as they endured a harrowing nine-game losing streak and managed to secure victories in only three of their 15 games. The struggles didn’t stop there; the Blue Jackets experienced eight separate three-game losing streaks throughout the season, capped off by a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
Defensively, the team had significant issues, allowing the second-most goals per game in the league. Their special teams were equally troublesome, with the power play ranking as the second-worst and the penalty kill finding itself in the bottom 10. Offensively, the situation was not much better, as the Blue Jackets scored the 24th fewest goals per game. These combined factors contributed to a season that many within the organization and fanbase are eager to put behind them.
Leadership Changes
In an effort to right the ship, significant leadership changes were made. In February, the organization fired General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been with the Blue Jackets since the 2012-13 season. By May, the Blue Jackets had brought in Don Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, to fill the dual roles of GM and President of Hockey Operations. Waddell is now tasked with steering the team in a new direction, and one of his immediate challenges includes addressing the head coaching position.
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. He was promoted to head coach under unusual and difficult circumstances. Less than a month before the regular season, then-head coach Mike Babcock resigned amid allegations of violating players' privacy. Vincent stepped into the head coaching role and was commended for his dedication and work ethic during such trying times. However, despite his best efforts, a change behind the bench was deemed necessary.
“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,” said Waddell. “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
With Vincent’s departure, the Blue Jackets are now left as the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy. Across the league, eight teams have either hired a new coach or promoted an interim coach to a permanent role, with the San Jose Sharks most recently bringing in Ryan Warsofsky.
The incoming head coach will face the daunting task of revamping a squad that has seen limited success in recent years. Improvement is necessary across all facets of the game, from defensive solidity and special teams effectiveness to offensive productivity. There is a collective sense of cautious optimism among the Blue Jackets’ faithful that new leadership can reinvigorate the team and restore its competitive edge.
The organization is poised to embark on a new chapter, one that aims to recapture past glories and bring renewed success. The Blue Jackets and their fans are looking forward with hopeful eyes, eager to see their team rise from the ashes of a challenging season. Time will tell if these changes will set the course for a brighter future.