The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced the hiring of Dean Evason as their new head coach, filling the final coaching vacancy in the NHL just two months before training camps are set to open. Evason, 59, has agreed to a multiyear contract with the team, becoming their third coach in as many seasons.
The decision to hire Evason comes after the team's general manager, Don Waddell, fired Pascal Vincent and conducted a thorough coaching search. Waddell expressed confidence in Evason's extensive experience in the league as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, believing that his leadership will bring out the best in the players and lead the team to success.
Prior to joining the Blue Jackets, Evason served as the head coach of the Minnesota Wild for parts of the past five seasons. He was relieved of his duties in November and replaced by John Hynes. Evason's coaching career also includes stints as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals and the Minnesota Wild.
Evason's primary goal with the Blue Jackets will be to guide the team to the playoffs and end their four-year postseason drought. The franchise has yet to advance past the second round in its 24-year history.
Speaking about his new role, Evason expressed excitement about working with the team's core players and young talent. He emphasized the importance of instilling a culture of hard work and competitiveness to elevate the team's performance to the highest level.
Before transitioning to coaching, Evason had a successful playing career as a center, appearing in over 800 games with several NHL teams from 1983 to 1996.
With Evason at the helm, the Columbus Blue Jackets are gearing up for a new chapter as they aim to make a strong push towards postseason success in the upcoming NHL season.
Source: AP NHL
