The last remaining coaching vacancy in the NHL has been filled.
The Columbus Blue Jackets named Dean Evason as their new head coach on Monday, ending a month-long search for a new bench boss after firing Pascal Vincent in June.
Evason has spent his entire career as an NHL head coach with the Minnesota Wild before he was relieved of his duties 19 games into the 2023-24 season. In the four full seasons that Evason was behind the bench for the Wild, they made the post-season each year, though failed to win a round.
“Dean Evason brings to coaching what he brought as a player – passion, hard work and tenacity,” said Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell in a statement. “He has spent well over two decades in this league as a player, assistant coach and head coach and I believe that experience, combined with the outstanding person he is, will allow Dean to get the best out of our players and put us in a position to succeed as a team.”
The 59-year-old has a career .639 win percentage coaching at the NHL level. He previously spent time as a WHL and AHL head coach from 1999 to 2018.
“There is a great core and a lot of young talent on this team. I am really looking forward to working with this group and helping us become a team that plays extremely hard and competes at the highest level,” Evason added in the statement released by the team.
The Blue Jackets have been in relative coaching limbo since firing Brad Larsen at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. In the 2023 off-season, they tapped Mike Babcock to take over the role, but controversy off the ice forced him to resign and was replaced by Vincent before he had coached a game.
Under Vincent, the Blue Jackets had a 27-43-12 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced the appointment of Dean Evason as their new head coach, following the departure of John Tortorella. Evason, who previously served as an assistant coach for the team, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.
Evason began his coaching career in the NHL as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals in 2005. He then went on to serve as an assistant coach with the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL before joining the Blue Jackets organization in 2018.
During his time with the Blue Jackets, Evason has been instrumental in developing young talent and helping the team achieve success on the ice. His strong leadership skills and strategic approach to coaching make him a natural fit for the head coaching position.
In a statement, Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen expressed his confidence in Evason’s ability to lead the team to success. “Dean has been an integral part of our coaching staff and has earned this opportunity through his hard work and dedication,” Kekalainen said. “We believe he is the right person to guide our team to the next level.”
Evason’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the Blue Jackets, who are looking to build on their recent success and make a push for the playoffs. With his proven track record of success and commitment to developing players, Evason is poised to lead the team to new heights in the upcoming season.
Fans of the Blue Jackets can look forward to seeing Evason’s impact on the team as he takes on his new role as head coach. His passion for the game and dedication to excellence make him a valuable asset to the organization, and his leadership will undoubtedly inspire players to perform at their best.
Overall, Dean Evason’s appointment as head coach of the Blue Jackets is a positive development for the team and its fans. With his experience, expertise, and passion for the game, Evason is poised to lead the Blue Jackets to success in the upcoming season and beyond.