It’s time for another batch of NHL rumours. The Columbus Blue Jackets dismissed Brad Larsen at the end of the regular season. However, the Jackets have yet to hire a new head coach. General manger Jarmo Kekalainen has yet to find a new bench boss. The Finnish executive is being very thorough and there’s a number of candidates that have been linked to the job. This round of NHL rumours looks at the latest in the Columbus Blue Jackets coach search.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Columbus Blue Jackets Search Update
Rumour: The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline offered an update on the Columbus Blue Jackets coach search in one of his latest columns. Both head coach Larsen and goalie coach Manny Legace will not come back for the 2023-24 season. Some of the news are the usual suspects like Peter Laviolette, but some names with a past were also speculated on.
Both Mike Babcock and Joel Quenneville have a bit of a past when it comes to their names. Babcock stands accused by former players in multiple locations of verbal and mental abuse. Quenneville was suspended by the league for his mishandling of the Kyle Beach situation. He would have to be reinstated by the league if he were to seek employment.
There were also a pair of AHL coaches also in the mix. Todd Nelson (Hershey) and Mitch Love (Calgary) are seen as rising stars in the coaching ranks. Current Columbus assistant Pascal Vincent was also praised by Kekalainen in the past.
Where Does the Columbus Blue Jackets Coach Search Go?
There is some concern the Blue Jackets won’t be able to pay for a veteran coach. However, Kekalainen said that should not been an issue. There is some hesitancy to believe that statement.
A name like Patrick Roy that has done well in the QMJHL with Quebec City could also emerge due to his handling of younger talent. However, he is a bit of a wild card. The Jackets do hope their new coach is ready to go sooner rather than later, but Kekalainen and John Davidson are being prudent about what they want.
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