Two former Oilers coaches named top candidates for Columbus Blue Jackets

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Liam McCormick
June 26, 2024 (11:39)

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According to a new report from NHL insider Kevin Weekes, former Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft is considered a leading candidate for the head coaching job in Columbus.

Just yesterday, Johnny Buccigross of ESPN linked another former Oilers coach, Todd McLellan to the job in Columbus. Buccigross' report seemed like a McLellan hire was imminent, but now it seems that isn't the case.

Oilers fans may still support Woodcroft wherever he lands for his next NHL job. He was a popular coach among the fans, and led to team to an incredible record over his tenure. Early this season however, some bad coaching decisions compounded with awful goaltending from Jack Campbell, and the Oilers had no choice but to fire him. Over his two seasons behind the Oilers bench, Woodcroft has a great record of 76-32-12.

In the first round of this year's playoffs, Woodcroft joined an interview where he revealed that he hasn't been keeping up with the Oilers this season since he was let go in November, instead he specifically mentioned focusing on the eastern conference. It must've been tough for Woodcroft to watch a team he could've coached in this year's Cup Final from the couch.

«I haven't watched much of the Edmonton Oilers since I was let go in November. That was a choice I've made and I've spent more time studying the league.»

With Woodcroft's record, it'd be hard to imagine he'll be out of an NHL coaching job for much longer. He'll surely join a team this offseason, and Oilers fans will be able to see how well he can coach without a superstar like Connor McDavid.

Source: Kevin Weekes

Woodcroft linked to Columbus Blue Jackets head coaching job