The NHL's coaching market has one more opening after the Columbus Blue Jackets parted with Pascal Vincent.
Pascal VincentThe Columbus Blue Jackets relieved coach Pascal Vincent of his duties on Monday after one season.
No replacement has been named, and no other decisions were made on the rest of the coaching staff, but the search for a new coach is underway.
Vincent joined the Blue Jackets in 2021 as an associate coach before replacing Mike Babcock right before the 2023-24 season. Babcock had been hired on July 1, 2023, but resigned on Sept. 17, five days after the Spittin Chiclets Podcast reported Babcock allegedly asked players to see photos on their phones during 1-on-1 meetings. The NHLPA investigated the allegations.
The Blue Jackets finished last in the Eastern Conference with a 27-43-12 record for 66 points, 10 fewer than the second-last Montreal Canadiens.
It's the first big move for new Columbus' GM and president of hockey operations, Don Waddell.
“As I spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I found him to be an outstanding person and smart hockey coach who worked very hard last year under trying circumstances, but I believe a change behind the bench is in our team’s best interest,” Waddell said in a press release. “On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Pascal for his work ethic, professionalism and contributions during his three seasons with the Blue Jackets.”
This was Vincent's first head coaching job in the NHL during a coaching career of about 30 years since he started as an assistant coach in the QMJHL.
The 52-year-old from Laval, Que., was the AHL's coach of the year in 2017-18 for overseeing the Manitoba Moose's 24-point improvement in the standings from the year before. He was also the 2007-08 QMJHL coach of the year with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and even the GM of the year with them in 2006-07.
Vincent joined the Winnipeg Jets in 2011-12 as an assistant coach for five seasons as well.
With that, the NHL's coaching market has one more opening after it appeared all the spots were filled. The San Jose Sharks most recently hired Ryan Warsofsky on June 13. Some former NHL head coaches include Todd McLellan, Dean Evason, Jay Woodcroft, Gerard Gallant and Dave Hakstol.
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