The Columbus Blue Jackets have been eliminated from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs it is the fourth year in a row Columbus will miss out on the postseason party. The organization is directionless and until there is a GM hire it will remain that way. Last season the Blue Jackets ended the season with 59 points, this season with games left they stand at 58 points not much improvement.
Last season some young players looked to be on the rise, Kirill Marchenko, Kent Johnson, and a few others. But injuries and inconsistent play this season have derailed that at least temporarily. With Blue Jackets fans on the ever-faithful 5th Line, there is some wavering doubt even as they continue to pack Nationwide Arena that the Blue Jackets will break out of the losing that has enveloped the team.
It is fair to question the direction of the organization as they stare at another high lottery draft pick. After all the same group of people who said they did due diligence in hiring Mike Babcock are now the ones conducting the GM search.
In a season where young players have developed a bit more, wins/ losses have been brutal and there seems to be a difference in what is being said and what is happening on the ice. A strong leader is needed. A leader who can come up with a game plan for each player individually that will lead to better on-ice performances.
Does that mean a new head coach as well? Perhaps, as new GMs generally like to bring in a person they have worked with or are familiar with. To be fair all the Blue Jackets' shortcomings are not all due to coach Pascal Vincent, but because he is the coach he also becomes the fall guy.
The Blue Jacket preference is hiring a GM with experience and it should be. This is a critical time for the franchise as they have a very good group of prospects and young players. If they miss the hire it could do serious damage to the organization.
Photo Cover Credit: Columbus Blue Jackets/NHL
