Don Waddell has consistently expressed his ambition to establish a passionate foundation within the organization since he was hired in May.

The objective remains unchanged for the Blue Jackets general manager, as evident with the recent appointment of head coach Dean Evason on Monday.

During the new coach’s introductory press conference, Waddell expressed his belief that Dean’s passion, structure, and process are exactly what the team needed. Having been with the team for a month and a half, Waddell emphasized the importance of Dean’s ability to hold players accountable.

Evason’s profound passion for hockey has been shaped over a span of more than forty years. Beginning with his remarkable tenure as a standout player in the WHL, followed by a successful thirteen-year career in the NHL, and his initiation into coaching in the WHL, Evason’s journey has been marked by extensive experience. Notably, he spent twenty-five years as a coach, including five years as head coach for the Minnesota Wild. Undoubtedly, Evason’s wealth of experience is a valuable asset he brings to the table.

As a result of this experience, he has developed a set of strong core ideas that he aims to put into action immediately. Building on the principles established during the hiring process, the initial focus is on effective communication.

Evason stated that throughout the process, Don made sure to communicate every detail with him right from the beginning. Evason emphasized that he will adopt the same approach of open communication with the players, as it plays a vital role in building trust and fostering a strong relationship.

According to the new bench boss, success of the team relies heavily on effective communication. With his recent hiring, he intends to promptly initiate face-to-face interactions to build relationships and aims to travel in the near future in order to have these conversations with the players.

In addition to communication, working with the existing team goes well beyond that. Evason, who has taken charge of a Blue Jackets team comprising both experienced players and promising young talents, intends to prioritize the team’s core to maintain focus.

Evason expressed his thoughts on the matter, highlighting the importance of not overlooking the experienced core group. While much attention is given to the young players, he believes that the long-standing members of the team are also highly skilled. The potential of the team excites him, as he acknowledges the impressive lineup on paper. He emphasizes that it is his responsibility, along with the coaches, to ensure that the players reach their full potential and give their best effort every game. He expresses confidence in their ability to achieve this quickly.

Next comes the strategy. It is not always a simple task to discover methods that motivate players to perform at their utmost capabilities and collaborate towards the shared objective of victory. However, Evason is equipped with a well-thought-out plan.

According to Evason, it is my belief that having a structure and a strategic approach is essential in playing the game. However, it is equally important to adapt and make adjustments based on the personnel and composition of your team. While flexibility is crucial, it is imperative to establish a solid foundation and have a clear understanding of how you intend to play.

“Our team will exhibit exceptional attention to detail and adhere to a well-structured playstyle. However, we will also encourage and empower our players to showcase their creativity both in the offensive zone and through the neutral zone. Recognizing that mistakes are an integral part of the game, our system will be designed to accommodate these errors, providing our players with the opportunity for success despite them.”

Regardless of age or experience, Evason expects every player on the roster to contribute towards winning every game. He wants opponents to understand that they must work harder than an already dedicated team to have any chance of success. Above all else, the team will remain united, whether they win or lose.

Evason emphasized the importance of fostering a team-first mindset. He acknowledged that individual players need to be driven to score goals, but emphasized the need for this ambition to be channeled through teamwork. Building a strong bond among teammates and prioritizing collective success over personal gain is a skill he prides himself on. Evason expressed his commitment to instilling this mentality from the start and ensuring that the team plays with intensity and unity.

The ultimate aim is to win a Stanley Cup, not only for the fans but also for the coach. Despite not having the opportunity to compete for the Cup on the ice, he is determined to experience the satisfaction of raising it while wearing a suit, believing it will be equally fulfilling.

The season opener holds great importance, especially since it is against Evason’s former team, the Minnesota Wild. However, it is important to remember that regardless of the ultimate objective, it all begins with the early games.

Evason expressed his disapproval of ex-coaches claiming that the games hold no significance for them. He argued that these games do matter, especially considering that he was fired just last year. While the desire to win remains consistent throughout all games, it is undeniable that these games hold personal importance.

Regrettably or fortunately, I am unable to wear skates anymore. Nevertheless, we will make every effort to ensure the team is ready for game one and starts off on the right track.