A Season of Struggles
The 2022-23 season was a tumultuous one for the Columbus Blue Jackets under head coach Pascal Vincent. The team finished with a dismal 27-43-12 record, marking one of the more challenging seasons in recent memory. This performance left them with the fewest points in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-fewest points in the entire NHL, keeping them out of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.
November was particularly brutal for the Blue Jackets. They endured nine straight losses and managed to win only three of their 15 games that month. Throughout the season, the team experienced eight separate three-game losing streaks, culminating in a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
Defensively, the Blue Jackets allowed the second-most goals per game in the league, exposing a significant vulnerability. Their power play was the second-worst in the NHL, and their penalty kill ranked in the bottom 10. Offensively, they did not fare much better, scoring the 24th fewest goals per game. These statistical lows highlighted systemic issues that needed urgent addressing.
Leadership Changes
In February, the Blue Jackets parted ways with their General Manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been with the organization since the 2012-13 season. In May, the team brought in Don Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, to fill the roles of GM and President of Hockey Operations. Waddell's primary task is to steer the franchise in a new direction, starting with 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 circumstances following the sudden resignation of Mike Babcock less than a month before the regular season. Babcock's resignation came amid allegations of violating players' privacy, thrusting Vincent into a leadership role at a challenging time.
Despite the trying circumstances, Vincent was commended for his dedication and hard work. However, it became evident that a change behind the bench was essential for the team's future. On behalf of the organization, team leadership expressed their gratitude for Vincent's work ethic, professionalism, and contributions during his tenure with the Blue Jackets.
Looking Forward
As it stands, the Columbus Blue Jackets are now the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy. Eight other teams have either 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 formidable challenge of revamping a squad that needs improvement across the board.
With new leadership in place, the Blue Jackets faithful are hopeful that the team can be reinvigorated and return to a competitive standing. The franchise is poised to embark on a new chapter, aiming to restore past glories and achieve renewed success. This period of transition brings with it cautious optimism as fans and management alike look forward to a fresh start.
"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," noted 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."