Just three weeks into the job, Don Waddell made his first move as general manager of the Blue Jackets: Firing Pascal Vincent.
This is not a surprise to anyone who follows the team. The on-ice results just have not been there and it was time for a new voice in the locker room. In all fairness to Vincent, he was put into a difficult position from the get-go and really was put in a no-win situation from the start.
Waddell has stated that he wants a coach with head coaching experience in the NHL. He stated that he has a list of a dozen candidates or more. Who may be on that list?
Some of the rumored names on the list have been Bob Hartley, Claude Julien, Dean Evason, Gerard Gallant, Jay Woodcraft, Jeff Blashill, Todd McLellan, and Todd Nelson. Waddell’s list probably includes many more names. Waddell has said that he will do his due-diligence and then narrow the list down to 3 or 4 candidates for interviews.
So, who makes the final cut? We take a shot at that shortlist.