by The Columbus Blue Jackets fired their head coach, Dean Evason, and assistant coach, Steve McCarthy, on Monday, January 12. This news came after the team was kept in last place of the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference by their 1-3-0 road trip. The Blue Jackets have had a rough season with a 19-19-7 record, with various injuries, slow starts, and defensive lapses all playing a role. Evason is the first NHL coach to be fired this season.
Columbus was quick to find a replacement for Evason, hiring veteran head coach Rick Bowness back in the league after he retired in the spring of 2024. Bowness will turn 71 on January 25 and is currently the oldest head coach in the NHL. Most recently, Bowness coached the Winnipeg Jets from 2022-24 and held a record of 98-57-9 in 164 games. Bowness also coached the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2020.
The Blue Jackets have not yet named their replacement for assistant coach Steve McCarthy, who has been with the organization for over a decade.
With Rick Bowness now behind the bench, the Blue Jackets will return to Nationwide Arena to host the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, January 13, at 7 p.m. Columbus is looking for a quick turnaround under Bowness as they try to stay in the playoff mix, sitting just seven points behind the final wildcard spot. Columbus will be at home for seven of the next eight games, and they will need a winning streak to be in the playoff picture at the February Olympic break.
Photo sourced via Google Images.
