A Season of Struggles
The 2022-23 NHL season was one to forget for the Columbus Blue Jackets and their head coach, Pascal Vincent. Under Vincent's leadership, the team stumbled to a disappointing 27-43-12 record. It was a campaign marred by frequent losses and lackluster performances, culminating in the Blue Jackets finishing with the fewest points in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-fewest points in the entire NHL.
One of the most glaring low points came in November, where the team endured nine straight losses and managed to win only three out of their 15 games that month. Overall, the Blue Jackets experienced eight separate three-game losing streaks, with the final stretch being a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
The Blue Jackets' defensive struggles were a significant issue throughout the season. They allowed the second-most goals per game, and their penalty kill performance ranked in the bottom ten of the league. The offensive side of the game was similarly bleak, with the team scoring the 24th fewest goals per game and having the second-worst power play unit in the NHL.
Leadership Changes
Amid these struggles, the Blue Jackets' front office saw significant changes. In February, General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen was relieved of his duties after being with the organization since the 2012-13 season. By May, the team had hired Don Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, to take over as both GM and President of Hockey Operations.
Waddell's arrival signaled a new direction for the franchise. One of his immediate challenges was addressing the head coaching position and finding someone capable of steering the team toward a more successful future.
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. His promotion to head coach came under unusual and unfortunate circumstances, as Mike Babcock resigned less than a month before the regular season amid allegations of violating players' privacy.
Despite the difficult situation, Vincent was praised for his dedication and hard work. However, it became evident that a change was necessary for the team's best interest. As Waddell remarked, "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. But I believe a change behind the bench is in our team's best interest."
While Vincent's tenure as head coach was not marked by success, his contributions and professionalism during his three seasons with the Blue Jackets did not go unnoticed. "On behalf of our organization, I want to thank Pascal for his work ethic, professionalism, and contributions," Waddell added.
Looking Forward
The Blue Jackets are now the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy, as eight other teams have already hired a new coach or promoted an interim coach to a permanent role. The most recent addition was Ryan Warsofsky with the San Jose Sharks.
The incoming coach for the Blue Jackets will face the monumental task of revamping a squad that struggled on both ends of the ice. Improvement is necessary across the board, and the team and its fans hope that new leadership can bring renewed energy and a return to competitiveness.
The franchise is poised to embark on a new chapter, with cautious optimism among the Blue Jackets faithful. The hope is to restore past glories and bring about the success that has eluded the team in recent years.
As the organization moves forward, all eyes will be on Don Waddell's selection for the new head coach and how the changes will shape the Blue Jackets' future. With strong support from the fans and a commitment to change, the Columbus Blue Jackets look forward to turning the page and writing a new success story in the annals of the NHL.