By Jordan Long
The Columbus Bluejackets missed the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row, finishing with a disappointing 25-48-9 record, a total of 59 points. Columbus had the 2nd worst record in the NHL, only Anaheim had less points at 58. With the poor year, Columbus decided it was time to fire Brad Larsen.
Larsen was hired by Columbus on June 10th, 2021. This was after Columbus let go of Head Coach John Tortorella following a disappointing 18-26-12 record in 2021. Tortorella had been with the Bluejackets since 2015. His overall record was 227-166-54. Columbus earned a playoff spot 4 times with Tortorella as Head Coach but couldn’t get past the 2nd round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They felt it was time to move on.
Larsen was a surprise name. He had never been an NHL Head Coach before. Columbus was hoping he would help this team win. It didn’t happen. Last year Columbus was 37-38-7, a total of 81 points. Columbus expected to be better this year In the offseason they agreed to a massive contract with forward Johnny Gaudreau. It was a 7-year contract worth $68.25 million or paying him $9.75 million per season.
The one move didn’t improve the team. They didn’t earn a playoff spot. The stats tell the story of the year. Columbus couldn’t score, averaging 2.60 goals per game, 30th in the NHL. Defensively Columbus allowed the opposing team to dictate the play. They had a difficult time moving the puck out of the defensive zone, allowing rival teams to have scoring chances. They permitted 4.01 goals per game, 31st in the league. Only Anaheim gave up more at 4.09 goals per game.
Special teams also struggled for Columbus. When it came to the power play, they struggled to score. They scored on 18.3% of their power play opportunities. On the power play kill, Columbus couldn’t move the puck out of the zone. Teams were able to set it up and have chances. They killed off 75.1% of their penalties.
Columbus saw enough and knew it was time to dismiss Larsen of his duties. The team was not improving with him as Head Coach. According to ESPN.com, Columbus Bluejackets’ General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen said, “We need a change. That became clear that we need a change.”
Columbus is going to start a coaching search. They need someone with NHL Head Coaching experience who can help turn this team back into a winner. It may take some time to do so. Hopefully, the next Head Coach will stick around for more than 2 years because that wasn’t enough to turn this franchise around. If not, Columbus will be back in the same position, looking for a new Head Coach.
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