The Blue Jackets fired their head coach. Pascal VincentAccording to a statement from the team.
““Having spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I know he is a great person and a smart hockey coach who worked extremely hard under tough circumstances last year, but I believe a rotation behind the bench is in the best interest of our team.A statement from the general manager read: Don Waddell. “On behalf of our organization, I would like to thank Pascal for his work ethic, professionalism and contributions during his three seasons with the Blue Jackets.. “
Vincent's firing came after his first season as an NHL head coach with Columbus. During his short tenure, the team compiled a record of 27 wins, 43 losses and 12 ties (.402), but he was never in a position to succeed. The team initially Mike Babcock As the next head coach entering the season after being fired Brad Larsen But Babcock became the subject of a joint NHL and NHLPA investigation into allegations that he had requested access to cellphones and photos of several Blue Jackets players, leading to his resignation at the start of training camp.
The Blue Jackets weren't expected to make the playoffs this season, but they were supposed to take a step forward from their 59 points total in 2022-23. They technically improved that total by seven points, but still finished in the bottom five of the league. New defense from offseason acquisitions. Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson There was no significant improvement, allowing 298 goals, with only the Sharks doing better with 326.
Vincent, 52, joined the Blue Jackets as an associate coach on Larsen's staff ahead of the 2021-22 season. He spent 10 years in the Jets organization, first as an assistant coach in the NHL before taking over as head coach of the AHL's Manitoba Moose.
The team said it will begin searching for a new coach immediately. For now, Assistant Jared Boll, Joseph Boumediene, Steve McCarthy, Mark Recchi Goalkeeper Coach Nicklas Backstrom team is”Further decisions regarding the club's coaching staff” has not been made yet.
Vincent drew public criticism this season for his development of many of the Blue Jackets' young prospects, with the most common complaint being the lack of playing time for the 2022 No. 6 overall pick. David Jizicekappeared in 43 games for Columbus this season, but saw no special teams activity and averaged just 14:36 per game. The young blue lineman recorded 10 points, 38 shot attempts and a positive relative possession metric in his limited time. Other players also had good seasons. Kirill Marchenko He led the team in goals with 23, but overall the young core didn't perform as expected. Adam FantilliThe January season did not improve things.
Under Vincent's direction, the Blue Jackets played a slightly better team than last season, controlling 48.3% of shots on goal, 45.8% of expected goals and 46.9% of scoring chances at 5-on-5. Those numbers were at least a percentage point better than they were in 2022-23, but still nowhere near what a playoff team could pull off.
The Blue Jackets joined the coaching search party rather late, with every open position already filled in recent months, finished with the Sharks moving up. Ryan Worsofsky last weekend. So barring some extraordinary circumstances, Vincent likely won't be an NHL head coach next season, but there are still a few assistant and associate coaching vacancies that should generate interest.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman first reported that Vincent had been relieved of his duties.
Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.
