Columbus Blue Jackets Hire McCudden As Assistant Coach
By Frank Walker
The Columbus Blue Jackets hired a third assistant coach, Kenny McCudden, Thursday according to a story from Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch (report here). McCudden has spent the last twenty seven years in the Chicago area coaching at every level from children learning the game for the first time to NHL players.
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His connection to the Columbus Blue Jackets originated with Jackets forward Jared Boll. McCudden had worked with Boll since his childhood and Boll has brought McCudden to Columbus during the summers to help Boll and other players in the area prepare for training camp. As the third assistant expect McCudden’s role to be behind the scenes. His main responsibilities will be to work with players who need extra work, normally before practices and morning skates.
Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards said:
"“Kenny has a lot of experience and he’s very good at what he does, the role will evolve as we get into it. He’ll work with individuals on a wide array of things. And he’s a different personality in the room. He’ll be good with the coaches and with the team.”"
While this isn’t the type of hire that usually excites Columbus Blue Jackets fans there are reasons that it should. McCudden’s specialties are with helping players develop their skill. On a team as young as the Columbus Blue Jackets with as many young players as they have this is great news. Having this third coach, who can put in extra work with these players, maybe the difference between a player staying at the NHL level or being sent “down” to Cleveland. Another set of eyes on how the team plays will bring a new perspective to the locker room as well.
Another part of this hire that gives us some insight into how the Blue Jackets organization works is that coach Todd Richards is trusted to pick his own staff. There is no mention in the piece of what general manager Jarmo Kekalainen or team president John Davidson thinks of the new hire. This is another indication that Davidson has set up the team so that people are allowed to do their jobs without interference.
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