Dean Evason and Jay Woodcroft inching closer to new NHL coaching job
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Samer Dagher
Jul 15, 2024 (10:57)
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Photo credit: Puck Reporter
The coaching carousel continues as Dean Evason and Jay Woodcroft are on the verge of being hired for a new NHL job.
The Columbus Blue Jackets, having recently hired Don Waddell as their general manager, are now close to finalizing their new head coach. Waddell, who started earlier this summer, is set to meet with the two finalists for the coaching position this week.
According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the two leading candidates are former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason and former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft. The process, while lengthy, has been thorough. Initially, Waddell considered twelve potential candidates, including former Los Angeles Kings coach Todd McLellan.
Per Aaron Portzline, Dean Evason and Jay Woodcroft are flying to Columbus this week for in-person interviews.
When asked if he wants the coaching search to continue into August, Waddell replied, «Not a chance». #CBJ
When asked if he wants the coaching search to continue into August, Waddell replied, «Not a chance». #CBJ
Negotiations with McLellan reportedly stalled over salary discussions, as he is still owed $5.5 million by the Kings. The top three candidates discussed salary structures and their preferred assistant coaches, with Evason and Woodcroft emerging as the finalists.
The decision is expected soon, as training camp is only a few weeks away. The goal is to have a head coach in place no later than the first week of August.
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