The Columbus Blue Jackets are navigating a significant challenge as they strive to secure a playoff spot: adapting to a new head coach mid-season. The team recently relieved Dean Evason and assistant Steve McCarthy of their duties, appointing veteran NHL coach Rick Bowness as the new bench boss. This change comes as the Blue Jackets, with a current record of 19-19-7, find themselves at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, despite an overtime win against the Utah Mammoth.
General Manager Don Waddell acknowledged the team's underperformance relative to expectations, leading to the coaching change. "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," Waddell said. He emphasized the need for a change to unlock the team's potential. Waddell expressed gratitude for Evason's work, particularly in navigating the team through difficult circumstances, including the loss of key players.
Rick Bowness, who was on his boat in Florida when he received the offer, brings a wealth of experience to Columbus. Bowness previously coached the Winnipeg Jets for two seasons, guiding them to back-to-back playoff appearances. His coaching resume includes stints with the Dallas Stars, where he led the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2020, as well as the Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, and Boston Bruins. Bowness's extensive experience makes him the coach with the most time spent behind an NHL bench, totaling 2,726 games as an assistant, associate, or head coach. Of those, 802 games have been as a head coach.
Bowness expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity in Columbus, stating, "I appreciate the opportunity to come to Columbus because it is a good organization with good people and this is a team that I think I can help improve". Waddell highlighted Bowness's communication skills and his emphasis on structure and defense, expressing confidence in his ability to bring out the best in the team.
The Blue Jackets face the daunting task of learning a new system and adapting to Bowness's coaching style while simultaneously battling for a playoff spot. Captain Boone Jenner, along with Zach Werenski and Erik Gudbranson, who recently returned from injured reserve, are key players who will need to quickly embrace the changes. The challenge is amplified by the limited time remaining in the season and the need to climb past several teams in the standings.
Despite the challenges, there's optimism surrounding Bowness's arrival. He has a track record of leading teams to the playoffs, having done so in each of his last two coaching jobs with the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets. The Blue Jackets last made the playoffs in 2020 when they defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in the qualifying round before losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. The team last missed the playoffs in 2025, finishing fourth in the Metropolitan Division. Currently, the Blue Jackets have less than 1% chance to proceed to the next playoff round. Their playoff odds are +650, and their odds to miss the postseason are -1000.
The Blue Jackets' ability to quickly adapt to Bowness's leadership and implement his strategies will be crucial in determining whether they can overcome the odds and secure a playoff berth this season.
