Very Latest on Coaching Search
We’re just under three weeks away from the NHL Combine in Buffalo, which takes place the week of June 4-10. The Columbus Blue Jackets are still working to find their next head coach.
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In this edition of the Blue Jackets’ News & Rumors, we bring you the latest on their ongoing search. We discuss an alleged timeline, some possible candidates, including a theory on some ‘dark candidates’, then tell you what to expect in the coming weeks.
Shouldn’t that be over by now?
The general thought for the past week has been that the Blue Jackets may be furthest along in their coaching search. This was reflected in a recent episode of 32 Thoughts when Elliotte Friedman said so.
GM Jarmo Kekalainen says he wants to hire the next Blue Jackets coach “sooner rather than later.” This week was important as Kekalainen heads into the World Championships on Sunday to take a closer look at some of the players involved in the tournament, namely Adam Fantilli and Leo Carlsson, who are expected to finish in the top three in the upcoming NHL Draft.
The hope was that the Blue Jackets would have their coach before Kekalainen’s departure. But according to Columbus Dispatch’s Brian Hedger and later confirmed by the Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, there was a sudden sense that there would be no new head coach before Kekalainen’s departure.
Two very interesting things stand out when looking at this update in Dispatch. Another interview is scheduled for next week. This report was published on Thursday afternoon. And secondly, Kekalainen stays with the World Cup. He is not expected to return until May 29. I have an interesting theory on this and what that could possibly mean.
Darkhorse contestants at the world championship?
What I want to share is my own opinion. This is not just any information, but a theory about the entire coaching situation. This suggests the Blue Jackets are interested in someone currently training at the World Cup. A scheduled interview next week while Kekalainen is at the tournament hints at that possibility.
It might be a Zoom call, but that would be a bit unusual for a serious candidate, but can’t be ruled out. The fact that this is starting next week shows that someone has a chance to make their point and could get an offer of coaching. If they’ve spoken to Pascal Vincent, Peter Laviolette, Mike Babcock and others and there’s still no head coach, that means nothing is settled and a chance awaits.
There are currently two coaches at this World Cup that I am currently watching to varying degrees. The first is Team Finland head coach Jukka Jalonen. There have been rumors about him for the past year. Given his track record in international tournaments, there’s a good case for the Blue Jackets wanting to speak to him to gauge his interest.
The second candidate I’m watching is a slightly lesser-known name, but that’s not for lack of success. This candidate has had previous NHL head coaching interviews and is considered one of the rising stars in the coaching field.
He was one of the most successful head coaches in recent memory in the AHL, helping Chicago win the Calder Cup in 2022 after posting its best regular-season record. He is currently an assistant coach with the San Jose Sharks and on the coaching staff of Team USA at the World Cup. Meet Ryan Warsofsky, a name that will gain more and more attention as time goes on.
With the pressure on the team to get this attitude right, would the Blue Jackets consider another head coach for the first time? I think so, if it’s the right candidate. You interviewed Vincent, who would be a first-time head coach if hired.
Why Warsofsky is an interesting theory to me is that he works on the coaching staff of Team USA under General Manager Chris Clark, the Blue Jackets director of player personnel. Clark is widely regarded as one of the NHL’s up and coming young managers.
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After beating Denmark 3-0 on Saturday, Team USA are now perfectly 5-0 up and outperform their opponents by 21-5. Warsofsky knows success. Thanks to his communication style and his X and O knowledge, he already enjoys a high reputation.
With several Blue Jackets employees already at the World Cup, it would make sense to interview someone there if they set their sights on a coach who’s going to be successful. It’s just a theory, but I’m observing it. Warsofsky will eventually get his chance as NHL head coach.
At least the Blue Jackets should interview him. If he’s already impressive enough, they have their next head coach. Otherwise they have good information and can move on. Given his impressive track record from a young age, teams must target him for coaching opportunities.
Who else could be there?
Friedman on 32 Thoughts reiterated on Friday that Laviolette still seems very much in the game for the Blue Jackets. It would make sense in many ways. But can they agree on the salary? When the New York Rangers are involved, a bidding war does not favor the Blue Jackets.
Vincent is still in conversation here. The Blue Jackets know him, and like Warsofsky, they believe he will one day be NHL head coach.
Most believe Babcock is not involved in this conversation, although the Blue Jackets spoke to him. The setback was obvious. Still, there’s nothing wrong with at least talking to an experienced trainer to get his or her opinion on a situation.
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It also feels like there are candidates the Blue Jackets have spoken to but have yet to be confirmed from the outside. Someone like Andrew Brunette would make a lot of sense. Could the Blue Jackets be waiting for a man like Patrick Roy, who currently stands with Quebec in the QMJHL Finals against Halifax? That feels more like a vision. But until someone signs the paperwork, it’s not done.
If the Blue Jackets wait until after the World Cup, we’re counting on late May-June before we might know who their next head coach is. Also remember that they also need to find a goalkeeping coach.
The Blue Jackets know they have to do it right. Taking the time to evaluate all possible candidates and make an informed decision is absolutely the way to go.
If I had to hinder the race in my opinion, Vincent and Laviolette seem to be the front runners for now. In any decision to hire Laviolette, money will be a factor. Vincent is a well known and treasured asset. But we’re not ruling out anything else at the moment.
Let’s see what the week brings. This could prove important in the decision to hire the Columbus Blue Jackets’ next head coach. Then, before you know it, Combine and Draft are there. Hold onto. Business will soon pick up speed.