An evaluation of Dean Evason’s first month as Blue Jackets head coach

During the summer, the Blue Jackets relieved Pascal Vincent of his head coaching position and found themselves in search of a new head coach. There were multiple rumors that Todd McLellan was their first choice to replace Vincent. But a dispute over how quickly the team could be competitive led to a separation of the two.

The team moved on and tabbed Dean Evason as their next head coach. Some may speculate that Evason was not GM Don Waddell’s first choice. But nonetheless, Evason was the pick. How has the first month of Dean Evason’s tenure with the Blue Jackets gone?

In the first month of the Blue Jackets' 2024-2025 season, the team has exceeded expectations. Many experts picked the Blue Jackets to finish near the bottom of the NHL standings. While that is still a possibility, the first month of the season did not go that way. The team finished 5-5-2 in it’s first 12 games and is one point out of a playoff spot.

So far, the 2024-2025 Blue Jackets are statistically better in most categories than the 2023-2024 Blue Jackets. The team is 16th in goals for (compared to 24th), 13th in goals against (31st), 24th on the power play (31st), and 12th on the penalty kill (25th). While the team is not a contender yet, the improvements are encouraging signs for a young hockey club.

What has Coach Evason done that has led to the team finding more success?

1. Structure.

Evason has introduced structure to the game plan for the CBJ. The team has a plan in all situations. Whether it be 5-on-5, on the power play, or on the penalty kill, the team plays as a cohesive unit. That was lacking with the prior two head coaches.

2. Allowing Players to Play Free

Evason wants each player to play aggressive and not be afraid to make mistakes. That has allowed players, such as Zach Werenski, to jump into more offensive plays and take more risks. While some of those risks have backfired on the team, it appears that allowing players to play their game has improved the offensive output of the team.

3. Work Ethic.

This team plays hard; they play with an edge. Evason wants the team to play hard on the forecheck and create havoc for the opposing team. So far, the team is putting in a lot of hard work and high effort games. Over the past 3 seasons, the effort and compete level was not always where it needed to be.

Dean Evason has brought a stability and presence to the head coaching position on the Blue Jackets. Is everything perfect with the team? Absolutely not. But, things are much better than they were under the prior two head coaches. The team appears to be responding to his coaching style and has bought in to his messaging.

If the team can continue to play well this season, then I would expect the team to play meaningful games towards the end of the season. I’m not saying they will make the playoffs. But, I think they can be in contention for a playoff spot as the season progresses.

While Dean Evason may not have been the first choice to lead the CBJ, he appears to have been the right choice. First month grade: A-