Don Waddell Appointed as GM and President of Hockey Operations for Columbus Blue Jackets

Tuesday, May 28th, 2024

The Columbus Blue Jackets have brought on Don Waddell as their new General Manager and President of Hockey Operations. This move aims to leverage Waddell's extensive NHL experience to improve the team's performance.

Waddell's arrival comes after his departure from the Carolina Hurricanes, where he enjoyed a successful tenure as General Manager. His addition to the Blue Jackets aligns with John Davidson's shift into an advisory role following his decade-long leadership of the team.

Mike Priest, the Team President, highlighted Waddell's extensive experience in various hockey positions, noting his strong leadership qualities and alignment with the team's vision. Waddell's success with the Carolina Hurricanes includes multiple playoff appearances and victories.

The Blue Jackets have faced difficulties in recent seasons, missing the playoffs for the past four years and experiencing several coaching changes. Despite these challenges, majority owner John P. McConnell reaffirmed the team's commitment to providing the necessary resources and support for success.

Waddell's experience is vast, having contributed to the Detroit Red Wings' Stanley Cup win in 1998. He also served as the first General Manager of the Atlanta Thrashers and held various roles with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes.

Former General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen has been succeeded by Waddell, who now leads a team with six playoff appearances in 23 seasons but no advanced rounds. The recent coaching turmoil includes the dismissal of Brad Larsen, Mike Babcock's hiring and resignation, and Pascal Vincent's challenging season, which ended with 55 losses out of 82 games.

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