Midseason Insights: President Don Waddell Discusses Columbus Blue Jackets

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

This season, the Columbus Blue Jackets find themselves struggling in last place in the Eastern Conference, with a mere 45 points after 45 games. Their playoff hopes are dwindling, especially after a vital 3-2 overtime victory against the Utah Mammoth on January 11 in Salt Lake City. However, they still face the challenge of surpassing eight teams to secure a playoff spot.

Midseason Insights: President Don Waddell Discusses Columbus Blue Jackets

Team president and general manager Don Waddell provided insights into the team’s performance and future strategies during a recent interview. He expressed disappointment over their current standing, emphasizing that the team has lost too many leads, especially in crucial third periods.

Performance Challenges

The team has struggled with maintaining leads, contributing to their low standing.
Frustration arises from critical games against division rivals where they have given away extra points.
Waddell noted that a balance in team performance across all periods is necessary.

Upcoming Challenges and Trade Deadline

The Blue Jackets are approaching a crucial stretch of games, playing seven out of their next eight at Nationwide Arena. This period may determine their chances of climbing back into playoff contention before the NHL breaks for the Olympics in February.

Waddell mentioned that the front office is closely monitoring the situation to inform potential moves by the March 6 trade deadline. They recently traded for forward Mason Marchment to help boost the team’s offense and avoid breaking up their young core group.

Player Development Concerns

Waddell discussed the need to maximize the team’s performance, particularly regarding goalies Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzlikins. While Greaves has exceeded expectations, Merzlikins has faced challenges that need addressing to improve his game.

Waddell has stressed the importance of understanding the context of goals scored against the goalies.
The team aims to develop young players like Kent Johnson, who have experienced scoring droughts.

Future Outlook

With star defenseman Zach Werenski’s contract situation looming, Waddell believes maintaining player morale is crucial. Werenski, who has expressed a desire to win, may reconsider his position with the team if their performance does not improve in the coming years.

Waddell’s commitment to enhancing the team’s performance remains strong, and he hopes that upcoming games will validate their efforts and ambitions. As the trade deadline approaches, the Blue Jackets are poised for a pivotal moment in their season.