Per Sources, Jeff Blashill Is Not A Candidate For The Vacant Head Coaching Job In Columbus

Sources have told THN Columbus that former Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Jeff Blashill isn't a candidate for the open spot behind the Columbus Blue Jackets bench.

Blashill spent seven seasons in Detroit before being told by Steve Yzerman in 2022 that he wouldn't get a new contract. He finished with a career record of 204–261–72 in 537 games coached. His Red Wings made the playoffs once, in 2016. Then missed the playoffs for the next six seasons. They also finished at or near the bottom of the Atlantic division for six of his seven seasons. 

Blashill is currently an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning and has been since 2022.

Last night, ESPN's John Buccigross said in an X post that former LA Kings coach Todd McLellan was "getting traction to be next coach" in Columbus. 

Today, Kevin Weekes put out a post on X saying that former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft is a top candidate for the job. 

McLellan and Woodcroft are at the top of everyone's list, including ours here at THN Columbus. Either one would be an excellent hire. Now we just wait for the announcement. 

Don Waddell has said he wants experience, and McLellan certainly fits that description. But Woodcroft only has 133 games under his belt, while Blashill has 537. Would Waddell choose a young, up-and-coming Woodcroft over veterans like Blashill or McLellan?

We'll keep you updated. 

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