A Season of Struggles
During Vincent's tenure as head coach, the Blue Jackets stumbled significantly. The team ended the season with a disappointing 27-43-12 record, the fewest points in the Eastern Conference, and the fourth-fewest points in the entire NHL. This marked the fourth consecutive season the team missed the playoffs.
The struggles were particularly pronounced in November, a month that saw the Blue Jackets endure nine straight losses and win only three of their 15 games. Over the course of the season, the team experienced eight separate three-game losing streaks, with the last stretch being a four-game spiral from April 7 through April 13.
Statistically, the Blue Jackets faced numerous challenges. They allowed the second-most goals per game and had the second-worst power play in the league. Additionally, their penalty kill ranked in the bottom 10, and they scored the 24th fewest goals per game. These factors contributed significantly to their lackluster performance throughout Vincent's time as head coach.
Leadership Changes
In a significant move, the Blue Jackets fired General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen in February. Kekalainen had been with the organization since the 2012-13 season. His departure paved the way for a new direction.
In May, the franchise hired Don Waddell, the former General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes. Waddell was brought in late May to assume the roles of General Manager and President of Hockey Operations. His first major task was to address the head coaching position and steer the organization on a new path.
Vincent's Short Tenure
Pascal Vincent's journey with the Blue Jackets began in the 2021-22 season when he was hired as an assistant coach. His promotion to head coach came under unusual and challenging circumstances; Mike Babcock, who was initially slated for the role, resigned less than a month before the regular season amid allegations of violating players' privacy.
Despite these challenges, Vincent was commended for his dedication and work ethic. However, given the team's performance, a change behind the bench was deemed necessary. On behalf of the organization, Waddell expressed gratitude for Vincent's professionalism and contributions over his three seasons with the Blue Jackets.
Looking Forward
With Vincent's departure, the Blue Jackets find themselves as the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy. Across the league, eight teams have either hired a new coach or promoted an interim coach to a permanent role, with the most recent addition being Ryan Warsofsky with the San Jose Sharks.
The incoming coach will face daunting challenges, including the task of revamping the squad and improving performance across the board. The Blue Jackets' fans are hopeful that new leadership can bring renewed success and revive the team’s fortunes.
The franchise is poised to embark on a new chapter, looking to restore past glories with cautious optimism. The words of Waddell resonate as the team moves forward: "As I spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I found him to be an outstanding person and a smart hockey coach who worked very hard under trying circumstances. But I believe a change behind the bench is in our team's best interest. On behalf of our organization, I want to thank Pascal for his work ethic, professionalism, and contributions during his three seasons with the Blue Jackets."