Blue Jackets Rumors: Columbus Interviewing Interesting Coaching Candidates

The Columbus Blue Jackets are looking for a new bench boss and have some high-profile names to consider throughout their interview process. The team has brought in the likes of Mike Babcock, Peter Laviolette, among others according to Pierre LeBrun.

Babcock would certainly create some buzz for the Blue Jackets as he hasn't been in the NHL since November 2019 when the Toronto Maple Leafs fired him and replaced him with Sheldon Keefe. Babcock has since done some advising work with a couple of different universities and coached the University of Saskatchewan hockey teams. 

The former Red Wings head coach is now 60 years old, and ranks 12th all time in coaching victories. As for Laviolette, he coached the Washington Capitals these past few seasons and ranks 8th on the all-time coaching list. The 58-year-old won a Stanley Cup coaching the Carolina Hurricanes back in 2006 and has made two more Cup appearances since.

The Blue Jackets have a ton of holes to fill on their roster including at center and in net, and look to improve on their 25-48-9 record from last season. They will select 3rd at the NHL Entry Draft next month and will likely have a coach in place once the pick is made.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports