By Rick Jabot

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023

John Davidson CBJ VP of Hockey Operations & Jarmo Kekalainen CBJ GM On Mike Babcock situation 9 19 2023.mp3

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets ownership group, led by Majority Owner and Governor John P. McConnell, issued the following statement today:

“Our ownership group is deeply frustrated and disappointed by the events of the past week.  We have been in contact with John Davidson, Jarmo Kekalainen and our management team throughout this process and were in full agreement with Mike Babcock stepping down and Pascal Vincent leading our team as head coach. 

“We had candid conversations with our leadership after last season about our goals and expectations for growth and progress on the ice in 2023-24.  Those expectations are still in place and can still be achieved, so we do not anticipate further changes to our hockey leadership team at this time.  Additional disruptions would be detrimental to our players and coaches as they prepare for the opening of training camp in two days.  We will continue to have regular communications with our hockey leadership and are looking forward to an exciting season.”

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