A Season of Struggles
The tenure of Vincent as head coach of the Blue Jackets was undeniably challenging. The team concluded the season with a disappointing 27-43-12 record, marking one of their least successful seasons in recent memory.
With the fewest points in the Eastern Conference and the fourth-fewest across the entire NHL, the Blue Jackets missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. Indeed, they endured a particularly rough November, losing nine straight games and securing only three victories out of fifteen. This period of struggle was punctuated by eight different three-game losing streaks, culminating in a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
Defensively, the team was porous, allowing the second-most goals per game. Offensively, they were almost equally ineffective, scoring the 24th fewest goals per game. Special teams were no better, with the Blue Jackets having the second-worst power play and a penalty kill that ranked in the bottom ten of the league.
Leadership Changes
In a bid to change the team's fortunes, February saw the firing of General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, who had been with the organization since the 2012-13 season. By May, the Blue Jackets appointed Don Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, to fill the dual roles of GM and President of Hockey Operations. Waddell’s first significant challenge was to address the head coaching position, which had become a pressing concern.
Vincent's Short Tenure
Pascal Vincent's journey with the Blue Jackets began during the 2021-22 season when he was hired as an assistant coach. His promotion to head coach came under unusual and dire circumstances, following the sudden resignation of Mike Babcock less than a month before the regular season. Babcock's departure was surrounded by controversy, with allegations of violating player privacy contributing to his resignation.
Vincent was commended for his dedication and hard work under trying conditions. However, the organization's leadership believed that a change behind the bench was in the team's best interest. A spokesperson for the organization stated, "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. 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."
Looking Forward
The Blue Jackets now stand as the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy. Eight other teams have already hired new coaches or promoted interim coaches to permanent roles, with the San Jose Sharks naming Ryan Warsofsky most recently. The incoming head coach will have the formidable task of rejuvenating a squad in dire need of improvement across the board.
Both the franchise and its loyal fan base are cautiously optimistic that new leadership will bring a renewed sense of vigor and success. With the right managerial decisions, the Blue Jackets hope to leave behind a season plagued with struggles and begin a new chapter filled with promise and potential. The Blue Jackets and their fans are looking ahead, hoping that the forthcoming changes will herald a return to past glories and an era of sustained success.