Boughner Steps Down as Columbus Assistant Coach

After spending just one season behind an NHL bench, Bob Boughner has decided to step down from his position of Columbus assistant coach. He will return his focus to the junior team he owns and operates- the Windsor Spitfires. It was well known that it was a balancing act for Boughner, trying to focus on his duties with both the Spits and Blue Jackets.

While this doesn't necessarily close the door on future NHL employment, it does show that he is more committed to being the top cheese of a junior team, rather than join the NHL coaching stream. He has NHL head coaching chops, but that plan seems to be put on the back burner for now while he focuses on the Spitfires.

One has to wonder, if the Jackets were successful last year, and made the playoffs, would Boughner still be with the team? Perhaps he didn't think the future was so rosy in Columbus, so the decision to return to Windsor with his family was an easy one. Windsor is one of the top junior programs in the country, so winning will come easy. Columbus is a struggling franchise, with question marks going forward.

I was excited when Boughner was hired last year, but I totally respect his decision. Windsor's a great gig- and when the family factor is involved, it's an easy decision for him to make.

Now the question becomes who replaces Boughner?

Can Arniel's former Winnipeg teammate and close friend Dale Hawerchuk be pried from his coaching spot with Barrie of the OHL?