As we progress into July, there remains a lone vacancy for a head coaching position in the NHL. The Columbus Blue Jackets found themselves in a challenging position as they were lagging in appointing a new general manager (GM) following the dismissal of Jarmo Kekalainen before the trade deadline. Furthermore, they were the final team to part ways with their head coach when newly appointed GM Don Waddell let go of Pascal Vincent prior to the draft.
Although Waddell has expressed a preference for a candidate with prior experience as an NHL head coach, it is noteworthy that two out of the three finalists for the role would only be embarking on their second NHL head coaching stints. This suggests that while he values some level of experience, extensive experience may not be the primary criterion he is seeking—an indication that a moderate level of experience could suffice.
This shift in preference could be pivotal in instigating necessary changes within the organization, especially considering that the last two head coaches for the Blue Jackets were novices in the role. Now, let’s delve into the three individuals whose names have surfaced in speculation.
1) Todd McLellan
Todd McLellan stands out as the most seasoned candidate among those under consideration. However, his candidacy has become improbable due to a stumbling block in the negotiation process. My colleague, Mark Scheig, has penned a comprehensive article detailing the challenges encountered in these negotiations and the reasons behind the current impasse. The delay seems to stem from difficulties in extricating him from his prior contract with his former team, the Los Angeles Kings.
Despite the obstacles, the interest in McLellan by Waddell is justified given his longstanding tenure as a head coach since the 2008-09 season, during which he has achieved notable success. His most prosperous stint was with the San Jose Sharks, where he guided the team to the playoffs in six out of seven seasons, clinching five playoff rounds during that period.
However, his recent coaching endeavors have been less triumphant, with failures to make the playoffs or completing the season due to mid-season terminations in seven of his last ten seasons.
When assessing the available coaching options, McLellan undeniably ranks among the most experienced candidates, despite the challenges encountered in the current negotiations.
2) Jay Woodcroft
Despite having only 133 NHL head coaching games under his belt, Jay Woodcroft has accumulated extensive experience within the NHL over the years. He is positioned as a potential candidate for the Blue Jackets if Todd McLellan is not secured, given their longstanding professional relationship. Woodcroft and McLellan first crossed paths during their time at the Detroit Red Wings in the 2005-06 season, with Woodcroft serving as a video coach. They both transitioned to the San Jose Sharks in 2008-09, where Woodcroft assumed an assistant role on McLellan’s coaching staff. Their collaboration continued when they moved to the Edmonton Oilers organization in 2015-16, working together to mentor a young Connor McDavid during his initial three seasons in the league.
Their trajectories diverged in the 2018-19 season when Woodcroft was appointed as the head coach of the Oilers’ AHL affiliate, while McLellan faced a mid-season dismissal as the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers. Woodcroft went on to achieve success over the following three seasons, culminating in winning the Calder Cup in 2020-21. His interim promotion to head coach for the Edmonton Oilers resulted in an immediate advancement to the Western Conference Final, followed by a second-round exit in the subsequent season, falling to the eventual Stanley Cup champions on both occasions. However, a challenging start to the most recent season with a 3-9-1 record led to his dismissal, bringing him to his current position.
While some may argue that Woodcroft guiding two of the top NHL players to playoff achievements is not particularly remarkable, the significant progress from previous first-round exits to a conference final appearance under his leadership suggests otherwise. His exposure to a high-pressure media environment in the NHL could potentially benefit from a transition to Columbus, leading to improved overall outcomes. Additionally, Woodcroft’s successful track record in the AHL indicates his potential in developing the young talent within the Blue Jackets’ system.
3) Dean Evason
The third contender in the coaching search discussion is Dean Evason, recently let go from his inaugural NHL coaching role with the Minnesota Wild. Evason’s tenure in Minnesota spanned around three seasons, with playoff appearances each year. Despite consistently exiting in the first round, it should be noted that the teams he coached were considered unlikely playoff contenders to begin with.
In a manner reminiscent of former Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella, Evason maximized the potential of his roster, particularly in challenging situations such as dealing with restricted resources after the buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The performance of his team consistently exceeded expectations, showcasing his ability to elevate the collective effort above individual contributions.
This attribute is a key selling point for his candidacy, although it aligns with the Wild’s historical team identity. The question arises as to whether the Wild’s success stemmed more from Evason’s coaching style or the franchise’s overarching culture.
Reports indicate that both Woodcroft and Evason underwent in-person interviews in Columbus recently, suggesting that a new coach is on the horizon. Given McLellan’s complex contract circumstances, it is probable that the decision will favor one of the latter candidates. Waddell has communicated intentions to finalize the selection before the month concludes, signaling an imminent announcement naming either Woodcroft or Evason as the next head coach.
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