Blue Jackets Already Feel Different Under Don Waddell – The Hockey Writers –

The Columbus Blue Jackets needed a new direction and a fresh perspective. Given the way things have gone since the departure of John Tortorella, stability was something not linked to the team in any way.

But as we sit here at the end of July 2024, doesn’t it feel a little different around the Blue Jackets? With so many changes that have taken place, it’s natural to feel a difference.

In this case, the difference is a welcomed sight. There’s new leadership in charge. That has seemed to reinvigorate the team at multiple levels.

Waddell Already Making a Difference

The Blue Jackets took their time in going through the process of finding a new general manager. That patient approach appears to be paying off in the early going.

The team waited for Don Waddell to become available since he was on an expiring contract. They added the title of President of Hockey Operations to his role. Suddenly, the Blue Jackets had a general manager who was experienced and enjoyed recent success.

Then it was time for Waddell to get settled in and go to work himself. He has had to make several important decisions to set the direction of the Blue Jackets. While his work is not nearly done, what he has accomplished so far has helped make it a different feeling around the team.

Waddell decided to move on from Pascal Vincent after taking time to get to know him. After a lengthy process, Dean Evason was hired. Moves like this will resonate with the players given what Evason brings to the table.

Once the coaching situation was figured out, Waddell turned his attention to player contracts. In recent days, he has signed all the players who elected arbitration before getting to the hearing. He also secured perhaps one of the best value contracts to a high-upside player in recent memory.

Waddell was able to get three-year contracts done with both Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson. Marchenko’s AAV of $3.85 million shows good value. Johnson’s AAV of $1.8 million could eventually show insanely good value. Waddell’s experience is already paying off in these early moves.

Let’s Not Get Carried Away Yet

The Blue Jackets still have a lot of work ahead of them. Waddell has one more contract in Cole Sillinger to hammer out. He also must find an amicable solution to the Patrik Laine situation.

Both of those situations will fall into place accordingly. But then it will be…