A Season of Struggles
Vincent's tenure as head coach saw the Blue Jackets floundering. The team finished with a dismal 27-43-12 record, accumulating the fewest points in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-fewest in the entire NHL. This marked their fourth consecutive season missing the playoffs, culminating in a highly disappointing performance.
The dismal performance in November perfectly encapsulated their season, as the team endured nine straight losses, winning only three of their fifteen games. The malaise persisted throughout the year, with the Blue Jackets experiencing eight separate three-game losing streaks, including a final four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
Defensively, the Blue Jackets struggled significantly, allowing the second-most goals per game in the league. Offensively, their power play was the second-worst, and their penalty kill ranked in the bottom ten. The team also struggled to score, ending the season with the 24th fewest goals per game.
Leadership Changes
The turbulence of the season wasn’t limited to on-ice struggles. The organization also saw significant leadership changes. In February, the team fired General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been with the organization since the 2012-13 season. By May, the Blue Jackets took a decisive step forward by bringing in Don Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, to fill the combined roles of GM and President of Hockey Operations.
Waddell’s immediate challenge includes addressing the head coaching position and steering the organization in a new direction. His experience and proven track record with the Hurricanes make him a formidable addition to the team’s front office, and his presence brings a renewed sense of optimism to the franchise.
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. Under unusual circumstances, he was promoted to head coach after Mike Babcock’s resignation less than a month before the regular season. Babcock’s resignation came amid allegations of violating players' privacy, thrusting Vincent into the head coaching role unexpectedly.
Despite the hardships, Vincent was commended for his dedication and hard work during trying times. While his efforts were appreciated, the team ultimately decided that a change behind the bench was in its best interest. The organization thanked Vincent 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 the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy. As the offseason progresses, eight teams have hired a new coach or promoted an interim coach to a permanent role, the most recent being Ryan Warsofsky with the San Jose Sharks.
The incoming head coach for the Blue Jackets will face the significant challenge of revamping the squad and improving the team's performance across the board. The organization and its fans hope that new leadership can reinvigorate the team and restore past glories.
The franchise is poised to embark on a new chapter with cautious optimism. The Blue Jackets and their faithful supporters are eager to see if the new direction can bring the success they have been longing for. As the team looks forward, the hope is to build upon the past and bring renewed success to Columbus.
“As I spent more 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,” 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.”