A Season of Struggles
Vincent's tenure as head coach of the Blue Jackets has been fraught with challenges and disappointments. The team finished the season with a dismal record of 27-43-12, the fewest points in the Eastern Conference, and the fourth-fewest in the entire NHL. This marked the fourth consecutive season in which the Blue Jackets missed the playoffs. In a particularly tough November, the team endured nine straight losses, winning only three out of their 15 games that month.
The Blue Jackets experienced eight different three-game losing streaks, with the last stretch being a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13. Defensively, the team struggled mightily, allowing the second-most goals per game. Their performance on special teams was no better: they had the second-worst power play and their penalty kill ranked in the bottom 10 of the league. Offensively, the team also lagged, scoring the 24th fewest goals per game.
Leadership Changes
Amidst these struggle-filled months, February brought significant changes to the team's leadership. The Blue Jackets fired General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been with the organization since the 2012-13 season. To usher in a new era, the Blue Jackets hired Don Waddell in May. Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, was brought in to fill the roles of GM and President of Hockey Operations. His immediate challenge was to address the head coaching position and steer the team in a new direction.
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 thrust into the head coaching role under unusual circumstances after Mike Babcock resigned less than a month before the regular season began. Babcock's resignation stemmed from allegations of violating players' privacy, putting Vincent in charge unexpectedly.
Vincent was commended for his dedication and hard work under trying circumstances. Despite his efforts, it became evident that a change behind the bench was necessary for the team's best interest. "As I spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I found him to be an outstanding person and 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," said an official statement. "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."
Looking Forward
The Blue Jackets now stand as the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy. Across the league, eight other teams have already hired a new coach or promoted an interim coach to a permanent role, with the most recent addition being Ryan Warsofsky with the San Jose Sharks. The incoming coach for the Blue Jackets will face the significant challenge of revamping a squad in dire need of improvement across the board.
Both the franchise and its faithful fans are looking toward the future with cautious optimism. The hope is that new leadership can breathe life back into the team and restore past glories. The Blue Jackets are poised to embark on a new chapter, aiming to deliver renewed success and fulfillment for their supporters.
While the road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, the organization believes in the potential for growth and positive change. The upcoming decisions, particularly in regard to the new head coach, will be critical in setting the tone for the next phase in the Blue Jackets’ journey. The entire Blue Jackets community remains committed to seeing their team rise from the ashes of a season of struggles to a future filled with promise and excitement.