Columbus Blue Jackets Fire Brad Larsen
The Columbus Blue Jackets did not have a good season. Still, the decision to fire head coach Brad Larsen may come as a surprise to many fans of the team, and some around the NHL as a whole. While the Blue Jackets have had a rough 2022-23 campaign, with a record of 29-35-12, it is rare for a team to fire a coach so quickly, especially one who had only been in the position for one year.
That being said, the Blue Jackets’ performance this season has been lackluster. You can’t deny that the organization is looking to make changes in order to improve their results. While Larsen was a respected member of the coaching staff, it is ultimately up to the team’s management to make the tough decisions necessary to turn things around.
How Soon Does The Corner Turn?
It will be interesting to see who the Blue Jackets bring in to replace Larsen. The Blue Jackets have a talented roster, and with the right coach, they could emerge as a powerhouse. Many believed that Columbus would make a push for the playoffs, especially after adding Johnny Gaudreau last summer. While he may not love life in Ohio a year later, he is a guy whose shot at a Stanley Cup is dwindling year after year.
Coaching is not the only sore spot for the Blue Jackets. There are a number of holes in the roster, and Jarmo Kekäläinen will have his hands full in improving this team. Finding a long-term answer and net combined with depth are the first steps. Of course, the Jackets are also very much in the Conor Bedard sweepstakes. Potentially gaining a No. 1 center in Bedard and additions defensively could actually turn their fortunes around.
Overall, while the decision to fire Larsen may come as a surprise to some, it is a reminder that in the NHL winning matters first and foremost. We saw the Buffalo Sabres finally come out of irrelevancy this year. As well, teams like Ottawa and the Devils took big steps forward. With a new bench boss, could the Columbus Blue Jackets follow suit?
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