On February 15 this year, the Columbus Blue Jackets fired longtime General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen. President of Hockey Operations John Davidson has been filling in as an interim GM. So far Davidson has only made one trade in the weeks leading up to the March 8th trade deadline. Emil Bemstrom was exchanged with the Pittsburgh Penguins for Alex Nylander and a conditional 6th-round pick.
A Quiet Friday?
In a recent interview on The Inside Edge radio show, John Davidson says he’s “Not trying to do too much.” by the trade deadline. While there may not be a major move in the works for the Blue Jackets, some possibilities could still happen. Davidson says,
“What you don’t want to do in this game is lose somebody and not get something back compensation-wise.”
The Blue Jackets only have one pending unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, forward Jack Roslovic. Signing a new contract is always possible for Roslovic but if there’s no agreement or a trade, the Jackets could lose a player and get no return.
John Davidson
“The way it looks now going in is I don’t think there’s going to be anything major. We’ve gotta take care of business that’s our job too.”
The Search Goes On
Since the Blue Jackets fired former General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, many have wondered who will fill the open position. Later in the radio interview, John Davidson spoke about what type of person the organization may be looking for. He said the Blue Jackets are not looking to continue rebuilding but would rather take the next step to success. He believes someone with experience is the right person to help them achieve that goal.
Davidson also commented on how a new general manager may want to build the roster differently. He’s open to listening to a new perspective on the hockey club, and their different views on people.
“You gotta listen to that because sometimes you fall in love with what you already have. In the world of hockey, you might be wrong in that and you’re loyal or maybe too loyal”
In reference to where the Jackets are right now he said, “Pure talent doesn’t win, teams win.” Many talented individuals are assembled, but they have not had much success as a group in the past few seasons. The new general manager will have to shape them into a successful team. This may be an enticing position though as the Blue Jackets are a young team with a top-ranked prospect pool.
