Columbus Blue Jackets Hire Dean Evason as New Head Coach

The Columbus Blue Jackets are making headlines this week after announcing the hiring of Dean Evason as their new head coach. This marks a significant move for the team as they fill what is now the final coaching vacancy in the NHL.

Evason, who is 59 years old, becomes the third head coach for the Blue Jackets in as many seasons. His hiring comes after a tumultuous time for the franchise, which saw Mike Babcock resign right before training camp last September. The decision to bring on Evason seems like a fresh start for the organization.

The Blue Jackets’ new general manager, Don Waddell, wasted no time in making changes, releasing former coach Pascal Vincent not long after taking the reins of the team’s hockey operations. As part of his search, Waddell stated that Evason stood out as the top candidate to lead the team forward.

In Waddell’s own words, Evason has a wealth of experience that makes him the right man for the job. He pointed out that Evason has been in the league for over two decades in various roles, including player, assistant coach, and head coach. This diverse background equips him with the tools necessary to help the players reach their potential.

Evason is set to take the helm after a challenging tenure with the Minnesota Wild, where he coached for parts of the past five seasons. His time there ended in November when he was replaced by John Hynes. However, he is back in the game and ready to tackle a new challenge with the Blue Jackets.

As the Blue Jackets look for success, they are desperate to end a frustrating postseason drought. The team has fallen short of the playoffs for the last four years, a streak that has not endeared them to fans eager for success. In their 24-season history, they’ve made it past the second round just once, making it clear that a turnaround is needed.

Despite the hard task at hand, Evason seems optimistic about the team’s potential. He has noted that there is a strong core group and a wealth of young talent within the organization. His focus will be on developing these players and cultivating a competitive spirit within the team.

Evason’s enthusiasm is palpable as he anticipates the upcoming challenges. He has stated that he looks forward to working with this group and aims to build a team that plays hard and strives for excellence in each game.

The Blue Jackets are hopeful that this strategic move will energize both the players and the fan base as they embark on a new season. The franchise is looking to change its fortunes and establish itself as a competitive force in the NHL.

With training camps opening soon, all eyes will be on how Evason shapes the team moving forward. Columbus fans will undoubtedly be eager to see the changes he implements and how they transform the Blue Jackets into a playoff contending team once again.