Dean Evason has officially been hired as the head coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets, according to an announcement made by President and General Manager Don Waddell. Evason’s multi-year contract has been finalized and he will be formally introduced at a press conference held at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday, July 23 at 10:30 a.m.

During his time as head coach of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, Evason, aged 59, achieved a remarkable 147-77-27 record in 251 games over five seasons. Initially appointed as the interim head coach on February 14, 2020, he was later promoted to the permanent position on July 13, 2020, and served until November 27, 2023. With a points percentage of .639, Evason ranks fifth among active NHL coaches with 250 or more games. Under his leadership, the Wild performed exceptionally well, ranking eighth in the league in points percentage, seventh in goals-per-game (3.28), and tenth in wins. Evason was recognized for his coaching abilities, being a finalist for the Jack Adams Award in the 2020-21 season and finishing fourth in the voting for the award in 2021-22. He successfully guided the Wild to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his first four seasons as head coach.

Waddell expressed his delight in Dean Evason becoming the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as he brings the same qualities he possessed as a player – passion, hard work, and tenacity. With over twenty years of experience in the league as a player, assistant coach, and head coach, Waddell believes that Evason’s expertise, coupled with his exceptional character, will enable him to maximize the potential of the team and lead them towards success.

Evason first joined the Wild on June 6, 2018, serving as an assistant coach. Prior to that, he had spent six seasons as the head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League from 2012-2018. Under his leadership, the Admirals achieved an impressive record of 242-161-53 (.589) in 456 games, including a remarkable 48-23-5 record (101 pts./.664) and a Central Division championship in 2015-2016. Additionally, the Admirals made four appearances in the Calder Cup Playoffs during Evason’s tenure.

Evason expressed his immense pride and gratitude for being appointed as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He acknowledged the opportunity given to him by Don, the McConnell family, and Mike Priest. Evason recognized the team’s strong foundation and promising young talent. He eagerly anticipated collaborating with this group and guiding them towards becoming a fiercely competitive team that excels at the highest level.

From 2005-2012, Evason served as an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals before joining Milwaukee. During his tenure, the Capitals achieved remarkable success, securing four consecutive Southeast Division titles from 2007 to 2011. Additionally, they made it to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in all of Evason’s last five seasons with the team, from 2007 to 2012. A pinnacle of their achievements was winning the Presidents’ Trophy in the 2009-2010 season.

Evason’s coaching journey commenced in the Western Hockey League (WHL) when he joined the Calgary Hitmen (1998-99) as an assistant coach. Subsequently, he took up the role of head coach for the Kamloops Blazers for a three-year period (1999-2002), followed by a two-season stint with the Vancouver Giants (2002-04). In 2004-05, Evason even shared the responsibility of coaching the Hitmen as a co-coach.

Evason has had the honor of representing Canada in various international tournaments, showcasing his skills both as a player and coach. He participated in the 1984 IIHF World Junior Championships as a skater and later took on the role of captain for the Canadian National Team during the 1996-97 season. Under his leadership, the team triumphed with a gold medal at the 1997 IIHF World Championships. In his most recent international endeavor, Evason served as an assistant coach for Team Canada during the 2024 IIHF World Championships.

Evason, a center, was chosen in the 1982 NHL Draft by the Capitals as the 89th overall pick in the fifth round. Throughout his 13-year NHL career from 1983-96, he played for multiple teams including the Capitals, Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames. In a total of 803 games, Evason scored 139 goals and provided 233 assists, accumulating 372 points. Additionally, he amassed 1,000 penalty minutes. Concluding his professional playing career, Evason spent his final three seasons in Europe. Initially, he joined EV Zug in Switzerland during the 1996-97 season and later transferred to EV Landshut in Germany for the following two campaigns from 1997-99.

Born on August 22, 1964, in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Evason played junior hockey for the Spokane Flyers and Kamloops Junior Oilers in the WHL. During his career from 1980-84, he achieved an impressive record of 150 goals, 251 assists, and 401 points in 200 games. In the 1982-83 season, he scored 71 goals, had 93 assists, and accumulated 164 points in 70 games. The following season, he contributed 49 goals, 88 assists, and 137 points in 57 games, helping Kamloops reach the Memorial Cup Tournament. Evason is married to Genevieve and has three children named Bryce, Brianne, and Brooke. He is also a proud grandfather to two grandsons named Connor and Hudson.

MEDIA AVAILABILITY – Tuesday, July 23

On Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. ET, the media will have the opportunity to meet with President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell and Head Coach Dean Evason in the Founders Club situated on suite level at Nationwide Arena.

The Blue Jackets’ YouTube page will live stream the session, and a recording will be available on BlueJackets.com after the event.