Columbus, OH - Following a disappointing first half of the season, the Columbus Blue Jackets have made a significant change, relieving head coach Dean Evason and assistant coach Steve McCarthy of their duties. In their place, the team has appointed veteran NHL coach Rick Bowness as the new head coach. The move comes as the Blue Jackets sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a record of 19 wins, 19 losses, and 7 ties.
The team's president and general manager, Don Waddell, expressed his disappointment with the team's performance, stating, "This season has been a frustrating one for all of us and the bottom line is we are not performing at a level that meets our expectations". He added, "We all share in that responsibility, me included, and while this was not a decision that was made lightly it is one that needed to be made at this time". Waddell also acknowledged Evason's efforts during a difficult previous year.
Bowness, who last coached the Winnipeg Jets from 2022-2024, brings a wealth of experience to Columbus. The 70-year-old has previously served as head coach for seven different teams, including the original Winnipeg Jets in 1988. His coaching career spans nearly four decades, including stints with the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, and Dallas Stars. Bowness led the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020.
Waddell believes Bowness is the right person to lead the Blue Jackets forward. "Rick Bowness is a tremendous coach with invaluable experience and knowledge, and he will bring a steadiness to our team at an important juncture in our season," Waddell said. "He is a good communicator whose teams play with structure, are sound defensively and we believe he is the right person to bring out the best in our group".
The coaching change has sparked optimism among the Blue Jackets' young core, including forward Adam Fantilli. Fantilli, a top prospect and the No. 3 pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, expressed his excitement for the future under Bowness's leadership. Fantilli played with "snarl and a higher level of determination" in Bowness' debut game, generating scoring chances.
Fantilli isn't the only player who seems to be benefiting from the change. Kent Johnson also had a strong game in Bowness' debut. "I think it's just a lot of excitement for me. He really grabbed everyone's attention," Johnson said.
Bowness's impact was immediately felt as the Blue Jackets defeated the Calgary Flames in his debut as head coach. The team displayed a renewed energy and determination, battling hard throughout the game.
While it is just one game, the initial signs are encouraging for the Blue Jackets under Rick Bowness. The team hopes to build on this momentum and turn their season around.
