A Season of Struggles
The Blue Jackets' 2022-2023 NHL season, under the leadership of head coach Vincent, was far from the success story fans had hoped for. The team finished with a disappointing 27-43-12 record and secured the fewest points in the Eastern Conference. Nationally, they ended the season with the fourth-fewest points in the entire NHL. This marked the franchise’s fourth consecutive season missing the playoffs, a harsh pill to swallow for an already beleaguered fanbase.
The month of November was particularly brutal, with the Blue Jackets enduring a nine-game losing streak and managing to win only three out of their 15 games. The struggle didn't stop there; the team went through eight separate three-game losing streaks during the season, climaxing with a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
Defensive frailties were glaring, as they allowed the second-most goals per game in the league. The special teams' performance was equally abysmal; their power play ranked as the second-worst, and the penalty kill ranked in the bottom ten. Offensively, they didn't fare much better, finishing 24th in goals scored per game.
Leadership Changes
In February, the organization made a significant pivot by firing General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been a foundational piece of the franchise since the 2012-13 season. This move signaled a new direction for the franchise, culminating in the May hiring of Don Waddell. Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, took on the dual roles of GM and President of Hockey Operations. His immediate challenge was clear: addressing the head coaching position and steering the team into a more competitive direction.
Vincent's Short Tenure
Pascal Vincent’s journey with the Blue Jackets started in the 2021-22 season when he was hired as an assistant coach. His promotion to head coach came under unusual and unfortunate circumstances; Mike Babcock resigned less than a month before the regular season amid allegations of violating players' privacy. Despite the chaotic start, Vincent's dedication and work ethic were widely acknowledged.
Vincent worked tirelessly under these trying circumstances, but ultimately, a change behind the bench was deemed necessary for the team's future. On behalf of the Blue Jackets organization, the higher-ups expressed gratitude for Vincent’s professionalism and contributions during his three seasons with the team.
Looking Forward
Currently, the Blue Jackets are the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy. In contrast, eight other teams have already secured new head coaches or promoted interim coaches to permanent roles, with the latest being Ryan Warsofsky of the San Jose Sharks.
The incoming head coach will face the daunting task of revamping the squad, requiring improvements across the board, from offensive production to defensive reliability and special teams’ performance. Blue Jackets fans hold onto cautious optimism, hoping that new leadership can reinvigorate the team and steer them back to success.
The franchise is poised to embark on a new chapter, with aspirations of restoring past glories and achieving renewed success. The sentiment within the organization and among the fanbase is a mixture of hope and cautious anticipation for the future. The Blue Jackets have the opportunity to rebuild and rebrand, and only time will tell if the changes will yield the success they seek.
"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," commented 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."