The Hard Luck Franchise

[E.L.]

Don isn't messing around: HC Pascal Vincent fired. Was thrust into action after the Babcock debacle and he wasn't ready for the gig.

Also, Laine and Don have agreed it's time to part ways. He'll be moved shortly.

[Pokecheque]

Don isn't messing around: HC Pascal Vincent fired. Was thrust into action after the Babcock debacle and he wasn't ready for the gig.

Also, Laine and Don have agreed it's time to part ways. He'll be moved shortly.

Wholly deserved IMO, regardless of the shitty circumstances. Even when the season was completely done and there was nothing left but to look forward to the future, he was busy shortening the bench and sending youngsters to the press box. I don't recall a worse first-year coaching job in the time I've watched hockey.

[Fogghorn]

Laine has asked for a trade. Rumours swirling around on Vancouver's interest and possibility of a Mikheyev for Laine swap.

[E.L.]

Dean Evason is the newest head coach in CBus. Had a 147-77-27 record in 251 games in Minny. In all coached about 11 years with Milwaukee and Minnesota and never made it past the first round.

[Pokecheque]

Dean Evason is the newest head coach in CBus. Had a 147-77-27 record in 251 games in Minny. In all coached about 11 years with Milwaukee and Minnesota and never made it past the first round.

I like Evason quite a bit. Excellent coach who got the very most out of a piecemeal Minnesota team. Not his fault his tenure there came to an end because of shitty goaltending, but I’m glad, as an Avs fan, he’s out of the division (and conference) and hopefully gets a chance to finally bring some real success to Lumbus.

[E.L.]

Waddell got to work this week: signed Johnson, Marchenko to bridge deals. Laine off player assistance and now he’ll get moved.

I think the thing Kek didn’t do that Don can institute right away is a clear top 6/bottom 6. Columbus has a lot of samey forwards, and it doesn’t do them any favours.

Go with a top 6 initially of:

Johnny-Monahan-Marchenko
Chinakhov-Fantilli-Johnson

With Jenner firmly as the 3C. Let the team find some chemistry.

[E.L.]

Waddell said it again: Laine has long wanted out of Columbus, even before Don’s arrival.

[Pokecheque]

Aaron Portzline went on record recently to say that Jarmo met with several of the veterans a few years back and they told him he needed to get Elvis and Laine out of the room by any means necessary. I haven't listened so I don't know if he links that to the mass exodus of talent that followed.

Elvis should've been moved out a while ago. That guy is in desperate need of a fresh start.

[E.L.]

Rick Nash named director of hockey ops. Team needed some good news.

[Pokecheque]

Pretty crazy that in a year where absolutely no one would have blamed the Blue Jackets for another lost season, they've been storming their way up the standings, mostly thanks to a Norris-caliber year from Zach Werenski.

Even considering they've had both Ken Hitchcock and John Tortorella behind their bench, it's possible Dean Evason will end up being the best coach this franchise has ever had. Which is a relief since his predecessor was most definitely the worst.