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On Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced their new coach, Dean Evason.

At the age of 59, the individual steps in to take over the position previously held by Pascal Vincent, marking their second stint as an NHL coach. Their tenure with the Minnesota Wild came to an end on November 27, 2023, when they were relieved of their duties.

Since taking over from Bruce Boudreau on Feb. 14, 2020, Evason’s record stands at 147-77-27 over five seasons. While he managed to secure an 8-15 record in the Stanley Cup Playoffs qualifying during his four previous seasons, Minnesota unfortunately never progressed beyond the first round.

After the Blue Jackets (27-43-12) ended up at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, Vincent was let go on June 17. This marked his sole season with the team. In the preceding two seasons, they had also finished last in the Eastern Conference, and since 2019-20, their division rankings have not surpassed sixth place.

After resigning from his role as the Carolina Hurricanes’ president of hockey operations and general manager, Don Waddell was appointed as the Blue Jackets’ president of hockey operations and general manager on May 28.

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

Several of the Blue Jackets’ key players are signed for at least two more seasons, including forwards Johnny Gaudreau (five seasons), Boone Jenner (two) and Patrik Laine (two), defensemen Zach Werenski (four) and Damon Severson (seven), and goalie Elvis Merzlikins (three). They selected forward Cayden Lindstrom with the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.

After the regular season concluded, Lindy Ruff was appointed by the Buffalo Sabres on April 22. Travis Green joined the Ottawa Senators on May 7, while Craig Berube was named the new coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 17. Sheldon Keefe was hired by the New Jersey Devils on May 23, followed by Scott Arniel becoming the coach of the Winnipeg Jets the following day. Dan Bylsma made his return to the NHL as the coach for the Seattle Kraken on May 28, and on June 13, the San Jose Sharks hired Ryan Warsofsky.

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, and is genuinely appreciative. Recognizing the team’s exceptional foundation and abundance of young talent, Evason eagerly anticipates collaborating with this group and striving towards a team that exhibits unwavering determination and competes at the utmost level.