Stunning news this afternoon, following a regulation win at Utah (but just a 1-3-0 record on a four game western road trip), as Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell relieved head coach Dean Evason and assistant coach Steve McCarthy of their duties. Rick Bowness takes over as head coach. Bowness most notably took Dallas to the Stanley Cup Final.
I hate to see Evason go because of what he did last year, but McCarthy’s dismissal is at least four years overdue. He was elevated on an interim basis in 2021 and the defense has consistently underperformed under his watch.
Waddell’s full statement:
“This season has been a frustrating one for all of us and the bottom line is we are not performing at a level that meets our expectations. We all share in that responsibility, me included, and while this was not a decision that was made lightly it is one that needed to be made at this time,” said Waddell. “Dean did a tremendous job last year under extremely difficult circumstances and I thank him for that. I also want to thank Steve for his commitment to our club over the past five years.”
“Rick Bowness is a tremendous coach with invaluable experience and knowledge, and he will bring a steadiness to our team at an important juncture in our season,” said Waddell. “He is a good communicator whose teams play with structure, are sound defensively and we believe he is the right person to bring out the best in our group.”
Bowness debuts behind the bench tomorrow at home vs. Calgary, the first of a 7 of 8 stretch at home leading into the Olympic break.