Three Columbus figureheads talk briefly with The Fan
97.1 The Fans Rothman & Ice talked to each of them separately yesterday.
Jarmo Kekalainen said the expectations of his team have not changed due to the coaching change. He also says Pascal Vincent "sets a very high standard here every day" and praises his communication and leadership. Jarmo goes on to say they want to make it to the playoffs very soon and compete for a cup, which he says is "realistic for this group." Listen to the full interview below.
Head Coach Pascal Vincent, told the show that he interviewed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames and the New York Rangers over the Summer. He says after a week of reflecting on the Babcock hire, he decided he was "all in" and started working with the new head coach to get ready for the season. After the Babcock fiasco went down, Vincent says it took him "1.5 seconds" to answer when Jarmo asked him if he wanted the job.
Johnny Gaudreau also sat down with Rothman & Ice. Johnny said that he thinks the team is in a good spot after the Babcock situation, despite the change in coaching. Gaudreau says he loved his first year in Columbus. With all the injuries he got to know a lot of people in the organization, and joked that he played with 40 different players. Johnny is still committed to the franchise and wants to win.
Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.