Jay Woodcroft named as finalist for last available coaching job in NHL

PUBLICATION

Ryan Hall
July 11, 2024 (3:49 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal tweet it out today that former Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft is it finalist for the head coaching job for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

This coaching decision is the latest that newly hired Columbus general manager Don Waddell is making as he has taken over the team since he parted ways with the Carolina Hurricanes a few weeks ago. It appears that he has moved on from former Oilers head coach Todd McClellan as there are contract issues and term remaining with the Los Angeles Kings.

Woodcroft coached the Oilers for just over two years and had some success with the team as he took them to the second round and the conference final. Prior to that job he spent a few years as the assistant coach of the Oilers and San Jose Sharks and was the head coach of the Bakersfield Condors for five seasons.

His coaching career ended abruptly near the end of November of this season as the Oilers were 31st out of 32 teams he appeared to be out of answers. At 47 years old, Woodcroft has many years in the NHL to come and if Waddell chooses him as his head coach.

He will have a chance to coach many new young players and a new core that is emerging from the Blue Jackets which includes Johnny Gaudreau, Adam Fantilli, Boone Jenner and Ivan Provorov.

It's expected that Wadell will announce his decision within the coming days.