Jay Woodcroft will hear decision on next coaching job imminently
Jay Woodcroft has been named one of two finalists for the coaching job for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are expected to make a decision this week.
Anticipating a coaching hire early this week if one was not hired this weekend.
According to several sources, former Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft and former Wild coach Dean Evason have interviewed for the job in Columbus last week, and GM Don Waddell will officially make a hire early this week.
Jay Woodcroft was a popular coach amongst Edmonton Oilers fans, and lead the team to an impressive record of 79-41-13 in less than two seasons. Taking over for Dave Tippett at the time, Woodcroft's more progressive approach to coaching was a much needed change, but he just couldn't keep it up.
He was rightfully fired at the beginning of this season when the team cratered to a record of 2-9-1, and lost an embarrassing game to the San Jose Sharks. It's arguable that Woodcroft was done in by atrocious goaltending from Jack Campbell and Stuart Skinner at the beginning of the year, but he also couldn't pull the team out of the hole, and needed to go. Now, Oilers fans couldn't be more happy with coach Kris Knoblauch.
With a full season of Kris Knoblauch next year and an improved roster, the Edmonton Oilers will have everything they need to make another run at the Stanley Cup Final. It's hard to believe that Woodcroft could've been in the Cup Final instead last year, and now this year will be reset near the bottom of the standings with Columbus - or not employed at all.
Source: Aaron Portzline
Decision on Columbus coaching job next week
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Blue Jackets will hire Woodcroft or Evason? | ||
| Woodcroft | 150 | 50.8 % |
| Evason | 125 | 42.4 % |
| See Results | 20 | 6.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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