The Columbus Blue Jackets made a bold move by parting ways with Jarmo Kekalainen, who held the position of general manager for nearly a decade. This decision came after the team’s disappointing performance and their continued struggle to make a mark in the Eastern Conference. Despite multiple playoff appearances, the Blue Jackets have failed to achieve significant success under Kekalainen’s leadership. In this article, we will analyze the circumstances surrounding Kekalainen’s departure and its implications for the future of the franchise.
Kekalainen’s tenure as general manager began in 2013 when he became the first European-born general manager in the NHL. His hiring brought hope and excitement to the Blue Jackets organization, but unfortunately, the team failed to capitalize on this potential. With a dismal .404 points percentage in 52 games, the Blue Jackets currently have the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Although Columbus qualified for the playoffs five times during Kekalainen’s tenure, their postseason accomplishments remained minimal. The team’s lone playoff series victory occurred in 2019 when they stunned the hockey world by sweeping the first-place Tampa Bay Lightning. This remarkable upset raised expectations, but subsequent playoff runs proved to be underwhelming. The lack of consistent success in the postseason ultimately contributed to Kekalainen’s downfall.
Another factor that impacted Kekalainen’s standing within the organization was the controversial hiring of coach Mike Babcock. Kekalainen’s decision to bring Babcock on board backfired when the coach resigned just days before training camp. The National Hockey League Players’ Association conducted an investigation into claims that Babcock violated players’ privacy. This preseason debacle not only created negative publicity but also exposed Kekalainen’s poor judgment in hiring Babcock.
As the Blue Jackets move forward from this decisive moment, John Davidson, the team’s president of hockey operations and alternate governor, will assume general manager duties alongside the hockey operations management team. However, this is only a temporary solution as the franchise embarks on the search for a suitable replacement. This fresh perspective is believed to be necessary to revive the team’s performance and bring about the desired progress.
Blue Jackets ownership initially supported Kekalainen and Davidson despite their disappointing season. They held discussions about growth and progress on the ice, setting expectations for the 2023-24 season. However, as the team’s performance continued to falter, it became apparent that change was necessary. The ownership’s statement indicates that while they anticipated significant progress, it was not realized, leading to the difficult decision to part ways with Kekalainen.
Despite the team’s current struggles, optimism remains regarding the future of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Under new leadership, there is an opportunity for a fresh start and renewed determination to achieve success. The franchise must focus on rebuilding and reshaping their roster to become competitive once again. The upcoming hiring process for the general manager position will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s direction moving forward.
The departure of Jarmo Kekalainen as the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets marks the end of an era. Although he was the longest-tenured general manager in the franchise’s history, his inability to guide the team to sustained success ultimately led to his dismissal. With this change, the Blue Jackets are poised for a new beginning, offering hope to the players, coaching staff, and fans alike. It is crucial for the franchise to learn from the shortcomings of the past and strive for a brighter future. Only time will tell if parting ways with Kekalainen will prove to be the catalyst the Blue Jackets need to regain their position as contenders in the NHL.
Leave a Reply