Jay Woodcroft in the Running for Columbus Blue Jackets Coaching Position

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Sam Jones
July 21, 2024 (1:20 PM)

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Jay Woodcroft, the former head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, is now one of the top candidates for the coaching vacancy at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

An announcement regarding the final decision is expected by the team this week, as the search appears to be nearing its conclusion.

The Columbus Blue Jackets, under the guidance of General Manager Don Waddell, have narrowed their choices down to two finalists after last week's interviews. Alongside Woodcroft, Dean Evason, previously with the Minnesota Wild, is also in the fray for the coveted role. The decision is set to be made public in the coming days.

Woodcroft's tenure with the Oilers was met with a mix of fanfare and challenges. Garnering a substantial following among the fans, he led the Oilers to an impressive tally of 79 wins, 41 losses, and 13 overtime losses in less than two full seasons. His progressive coaching strategies were initially a breath of fresh air following Dave Tippett's era. However, the subsequent season saw a drastic downturn, with the Oilers plunging to a 2-9-1 record. This poor start to the season was punctuated by a notably poor performance against the San Jose Sharks, leading to Woodcroft's dismissal.

"Jay Woodcroft was rightfully fired at the beginning of this season when the team cratered to a record of 2-9-1, and lost an embarrassing game to the San Jose Sharks."

Critics argue that the duo of goaltenders Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner underperformed, contributing significantly to the team's struggles. Despite this, Woodcroft struggled to turn the situation around, which ultimately cost him his job. The Oilers, now under Kris Knoblauch's leadership, look forward to a promising future with hopes of a deep playoff run.

For Woodcroft, the potential move to Columbus represents both a challenge and an opportunity. With a fresh start, he could use his experience to shape the Blue Jackets into a competitive force. Whether he secures the job or not, this marks a critical juncture in his coaching career, as he aims to prove his resilience and capability in the NHL.

Source: Aaron Portzline

Decision on Columbus coaching job next week