The Columbus Blue Jackets needed a new approach and a new vision. Given the way things have gone since the departure of John Tortorella, stability has been something the team has not been comfortable with.
But as we sit here at the end of July 2024, doesn’t it sound a little different for the Green Jackets? Since so many changes have taken place, it is natural to feel the difference.
In this case, the difference is a welcome sight. There is a new leadership in charge. That seemed to reinvigorate the team on many levels.
Waddell is Already Making a Difference
The Blue Jackets have taken their time in the process of finding a new general manager. That patient approach seems to be paying off at first.
The team is waiting for Don Waddell to be available since his contract is expiring. They added the title of President of Hockey Operations to his role. Suddenly, the Blue Jackets had a general manager who was experienced and enjoying recent success.
Then it was time for Waddell to settle down and go to work himself. He had to make many important decisions to set the course for the Blue Jackets. Although his career is far from over, his achievements so far have helped create a unique feel for the team.
Waddell decided to move on from Pascal Vincent after taking some time to get to know him. After a long process, Dean Evason was hired. Moves like this will resonate with players given what Evason brings to the table.
Once the coaching situation was established, Waddell focused on player contracts. In the past few days, he has signed all the players who chose to settle before going to court. He also secured perhaps one of the best value contracts for a top player in recent memory.
Waddell was able to work out three-year contracts with Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson. Marchenko’s AAV of $3.85 million represents good value. Johnson’s AAV of $1.8 million could ultimately represent an insanely good value. Waddell’s experience is already paying off in these early steps.
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The Blue Jackets still have a lot of work to do. Waddell still has one contract out on Cole Sillinger. He also has to find a peaceful solution to the Patrik Laine situation.
Both of those situations will fall into place accordingly. But it will be time to step it up for the 2024-25 regular season. This is an area where it is not wise to get carried away. Waddell and the Blue Jackets still have a lot to explore.
At the top of the list of candidates are players who already had contracts. Will he be part of the Blue Jackets’ long-term plan? It will be up to Waddell to decide if they fit and where they fit.
So while it feels different for the Blue Jackets, the upcoming season still has many unanswered questions and no guarantee of success on the ice. After all, the team finished last in the division and will be running many of the same players back at least to start.
Will Elvis Merzlikins continue his redemption journey? Can Daniil Tarasov take the next step? The net does not end there and it will be an open competition between the two.
Where will the defensive improvements come from? Will Evason’s formulation lead to better results? Back-to-back seasons allowing at least 300 goals and most of the same personnel returning will be a big story to watch.
Confidence Waddell
Waddell’s moves so far have been met with mostly positive reviews. That helped create a different feeling for the Blue Jackets as this offseason continues.
Where this will matter is the level of confidence in what Waddell will end up doing. Although there is no guarantee that the Blue Jackets will make it to the finals this season, they are now being overseen by a manager who has experience reaching the semi-finals and knows what it takes to get there.
Remember this. Waddell comes to the Blue Jackets with a fresh set of eyes. He did not sign most of these players. There is no loyalty even to the highest paid players. If he sees a need for change, he will not hesitate to do so for the sake of the team.
You May Love It Again
Here is the question below. Why does it feel different already under Waddell? He made important moves without a doubt. He has signed his best young players with good contracts. And most importantly, it feels like for the first time in a few years, there is a plan in place.
The move in recent years has not been well received. It left more questions than answers most of the time. But now under Waddell? There is a decision. There is fast action. There is a purpose.
That distinct feeling may not translate to immediate success on the ice. But that feeling will pay off in the long run. Waddell was hired to bring a fresh perspective to a struggling team.
At least so far, Waddell’s presence has made a difference at every level for the Blue Jackets.
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