A Season of Struggles
The 2022-23 season was a challenging period for the Columbus Blue Jackets under Vincent’s leadership. Vincent, who took on the role of head coach under extraordinary circumstances, witnessed the team endure one of their toughest seasons in recent history.
The Blue Jackets ended the season with a dismal 27-43-12 record, amassing the fewest points in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-fewest points in the entire NHL. This underwhelming performance marked their fourth consecutive season of missing the playoffs, a streak that has frustrated fans and stakeholders alike.
November proved to be particularly brutal for the team, as they suffered nine straight losses and only managed to secure three wins out of their 15 games that month. The team also endured eight separate three-game losing streaks, including a four-game spiral from April 7 to April 13, exemplifying their prolonged struggles throughout the season.
The team’s defensive struggles were stark, as they allowed the second-most goals per game in the league. Offensively, they didn't fare much better, boasting the second-worst power play with a penalty kill that ranked in the bottom ten. They also scored the 24th fewest goals per game, making it a season riddled with both offensive and defensive deficiencies.
Leadership Changes
The dismal season led to significant changes off the ice. In February, the Blue Jackets decided to part ways with General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been with the organization since the 2012-13 season. This decision underlined the franchise's urgent need for a fresh direction.
In May, the team announced the appointment of Don Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, to fill the dual role of GM and President of Hockey Operations. Waddell’s hiring was seen as a move to steer the Blue Jackets in a new and hopefully more successful direction. One of Waddell’s immediate challenges was to address the head coaching position, a critical role in the team’s turnaround efforts.
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 difficult circumstances, following the sudden resignation of Mike Babcock less than a month before the regular season. Babcock resigned amid allegations of violating players' privacy, thrusting Vincent into a major role on short notice.
Despite the challenging situation, Vincent was commended for his dedication and hard work. However, it became apparent that a change behind the bench was necessary for the team's best interest. This sentiment was echoed by team officials who expressed their gratitude towards Vincent, acknowledging his professionalism and contributions during his three seasons with the Blue Jackets.
"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," said an official. "But I believe a change behind the bench is in our team’s best interest."
Looking Forward
The Blue Jackets are now the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy, as several other teams have recently hired new coaches or promoted interim coaches to permanent roles. The most recent addition in the league was Ryan Warsofsky with the San Jose Sharks.
The incoming head coach of the Blue Jackets will face the considerable challenge of revamping the squad and implementing improvements across the board. For the Blue Jackets' faithful, the hope is that the new leadership can rejuvenate the team and revive the fan base’s optimism.
The franchise stands at a critical juncture, poised to embark on a new chapter with aspirations of restoring past glories and achieving renewed success. As they look ahead with cautious optimism, the Blue Jackets and their fans remain hopeful that the reshaped leadership will bring about a much-needed turnaround for the team.