The End of the Jarmo Kekalainen Era in Columbus
We also discuss Boone Jenner, how the Blue Jackets can impact the playoff picture, and more!
Welcome to the THW Columbus Blue Jackets Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of CBJ writers.
In today’s edition, we’ll discuss the general manager job, John Davidson’s press conference and much more!
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5 Reasons Why Blue Jackets GM Role is Coveted
February 17, 2024 by Mark Scheig
The search for the next general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets is officially underway. Based on what was said by President of Hockey Operations John Davidson on Thursday, there will be no shortage of potential candidates.
That’s because the role of the Blue Jackets’ GM is highly coveted. Despite the team starting this weekend in 29th place in the NHL standings, there are several reasons potential candidates will show interest in this job. Besides the fact there’s only 32 of these jobs in the league, this one presents unique opportunities that could lead to long-term success.
Blue Jackets: 5 Takeaways From John Davidson’s Availability
February 16, 2024 by Mark Scheig
Shortly after the news was announced that Blue Jackets’ GM Jarmo Kekalainen was relieved of his duties, President of Hockey Operations John Davidson held a media availability to discuss the move and what’s next. Team President Mike Priest was also available at the press conference.
Davidson spoke for over 20 minutes about the move. It’s a noteworthy move given that the timing of it happening three weeks before the NHL’s Trade Deadline.
Blue Jackets GM Kekalainen Relieved of Duties
February 15, 2024 by Mark Scheig
The Columbus Blue Jackets made a major change in their front office on Thursday morning, just weeks before the March 8 Trade Deadline.
Jarmo Kekalainen, the team’s longest-tenured general manager, was relieved of his duties after the team started this season 16-26-10. Kekalainen was at the helm for 11 years and two days. He became Scott Howson’s replacement on Feb 13, 2013.
Inside the Blue Jackets’ Room: Jenner’s Surge, Team Unity & More
February 15, 2024 by Mark Scheig
Captain Boone Jenner has come to life of late on the ice. Perhaps it was his time at the All-Star Game with Connor McDavid and many others that had an influence there.
Whatever it was, Jenner has come out on fire since the break. He scored two goals in the game last Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He added another goal Tuesday night in Ottawa. He’s taken his place back in the team lead for goals with 16 as a result despite missing time with a broken jaw.
Blue Jackets Would Need A Haul to Trade Captain Boone Jenner
February 13, 2024 by Nicholas Arnold
We are now less than a month away from the NHL’s March 8 trade deadline. That means people are looking anywhere for possibilities of who could be a trade target to help their team go from good to great ahead of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
One of the names that’s been out and swirling in trade rumors is the Columbus Blue Jackets’ captain, Boone Jenner. On paper, it makes a lot of sense. Jenner is a legitimate second-line center but would be a great third-line center on a Stanley Cup contender. His hard-nosed and never-say-die attitude makes him built for playoff hockey.
He’s excellent in the faceoff dot – hovering at around 55 percent – and has boosted his scoring over the past three seasons – being on pace for 30+ goals each season. The best part is that an acquiring team would get all of that for the next three playoff runs at a bargain of a $3.75 million cap hit.
How Blue Jackets Could Alter the NHL Playoff Scenario
February 11, 2024 by Mark Scheig
The Columbus Blue Jackets are not going to make the 2023-24 NHL Playoffs. They could however alter how the playoffs eventually look.
Welcome to Part 2 of our Blue Jackets post All-Star mini series. In case you missed Part 1, we listed out three reasons why Kent Johnson needs to play in the top-six for most of if not all of their last 32 games.