The Columbus Blue Jackets were not going to sit around and take their time finding a new general manager. After firing former executive vice president and general manager Scott Howson on Tuesday, the team turned around and quickly made a hire on Wednesday. The team have announced hiring Jarmo Kekalainen to take over duties.
Kekalainen is the first European in history to be named a general manager of the National Hockey League. He was previously serving in the same role for the Jokerit in Finland. He worked as the director of amateur scouting with the St. Louis Blues from 2002 to 2010. It was there that he worked closely with Columbus' director of hockey operations John Davidson which could have led to the hiring of him as general manager.
"Sometimes change is necessary. It's just necessary. When you make changes, for whatever the reason you make them, it can be tough on some people," Davidson said.
Kekalainen takes over the general manager role Howson, who held the role since 2007. He was only the second general manager in Blue Jackets history. During Howson's time with the team, Columbus 173-190-59 and made only one appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2008. Since then, they have not come close to seeing the post-season.
The Blue Jackets are off to a 4-7-2 disappointing start. After acquiring three big names in the offseason, it was believed they might have an improved season after falling on hard times after that playoff appearance. However prior to Monday's win, they have lost eight of 10 games. Heavy injuries in the defensive line have plagued the team recently.
Kekalainen appeared in 55 NHL games as a player during the 1990s. He spent time with both the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators. The Blue Jackets have three first-round picks in the upcoming NHL draft. With Kekalainen's experience in player scouting, they could set themselves up well for the future. The Blue Jackets begin a six-game road trip on Friday, starting first with a game against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Los Angeles Kings.