In a scene all too familiar another big name Columbus Blue Jackets player wants out of Columbus. We have heard Blue Jacket players say they love the city of Columbus. They very well might. But the bigger name players say it and then leave. Be it by trade or they leave as a free agent. It is difficult at times to be a fan of a team that begins to look good only to lose a star player. It is time for the organization to buck that trend.
In order for big name players to both stay in Columbus and want to play for the Blue Jackets a big name coach needs to be brought in. With all do respect to Brad Larson (long time Blue Jackets assistant coach) he is not a name that exactly entices players to stay or come.
John Tortorella was a fine coach. He was also a coach that chased a lot of big names out of Columbus due to his over-the-top brash coaching style. Yes, Tortorella won a lot of games, but the Blue Jackets could have won more if he had backed down a bit.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, President of Hockey Operations, John Davidson and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen have options as far as big name coach’s and assistants who are ready to be head coach’s.
Marco Strom, 3 year assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings, Igor Larionov, Russian National Team and 2 time Stanley Cup champion with the Detroit Red Wings, While Rick Tocchet, Bruce Boudreau, Todd Nelson and Gerard Gallant have all been successful NHL head coach’s.
In order for the Blue Jackets to take the next step and be a serious playoff contending team, then a big name head coach is needed. Players like having someone who has been there and done that. A coach who can relate to them as well as allow them the comfort of knowing the organization is in good hands.
A big name head coach should be the top priority this summer in Columbus. This will help players who are restricted free agents decide if they want to sign a long-term deal with the team. Players like Patrik Laine, Alexander Texier, and others.
Having a proven head coach would ease a lot of the issues that have come about in recent years.
