Top candidates to become next coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets

Following the dismissal of Pascal Vincent, the Columbus Blue Jackets are once again looking for a new head coach.

It is not going to be an easy job, as the team has been the doormat of the Eastern Conference for the last several years, even with talented players like Johnny Gaudreau in their lineup.

There are a number of quality candidates available to take over in the college town. Coaches with recent NHL experience like Todd McLellan, Jay Woodcroft, Dean Evason, Jeff Blashill and 2018 Jack Adams Award winner Gerard Gallant are all free agents.

One coach to keep an eye on is Todd Nelson, the head coach of the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Nelson had a brief stint as a head coach in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers during the abysmal 2014-15 season, but has bolstered his status as a two-time Calder Cup champion head coach. Nelson also worked under new Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Thrashers from 2008 to 2010.

On Tuesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk looked at the top prospects for taking over as head coach of the Blue Jackets.

Frank Seravalli: The theme in Columbus’ front office so far this spring and summer has been experience…Todd Nelson, more of the interim stage [in the NHL], but he’s more than ready. He has the Hershey Bears in a Calder Cup Final for the second year in a row.

The connection, oddly enough, to the Oilers is pretty deep. Todd McLellan, Jay Woodcroft also former Oiler head coaches. Dean Evason, I’m kind of surprised he got through this hiring cycle and didn’t end up getting a job. You got Gerard Gallant, who has veteran experience and, by the way, previously was a head coach in Columbus. Jeff Blashill, whose been with Jon Cooper in Tampa as an assistant since leaving [the Detroit Red Wings]. These are all really strong candidates.

You can watch the entire segment, and full episode here…