Business as usual for Hitchcock
By Dave Seaman, Columbus Wired

While the search for a new general manager was taking place, Columbus Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock said things were business as usual for the hockey operations staff.

Hitchcock, hired in November, said that the coaching staff was conducting final post-game reviews and evaluations and post-season evaluations. He met with each player individually in the days after the season ended in early-April.

“It didn’t effect us very much,” Hitchcock said. “Moving forward, we had to have this definition because once you move into trades and free agency, people start to question, ‘whose running the ship?’”

The void was filled late last week with the hiring of former Edmonton Assistant General Manager Scott Howson, who signed a three-year deal. Howson was hired just in time, according to Hitchcock.

“The next 18-19 days are critical for every organization,” he said. “You go from draft preparation. Most teams have developmental camps right after the draft. You are making decisions on contracts on players, then you have free agency and unrestricted free agency.”

The NHL Draft is this Friday and Saturday here at Nationwide Arena. The free agent signing period begins July 1 and decisions on salary arbitration must be made by July 6. Those players who are eligible for Group 5 free agency must declare by July 10.

Columbus has three unrestricted free agents—defenseman Bryan Berard and Anders Eriksson and goaltender Brian Boucher. Center Alexander Svitov, left winger Curtis Glencross and defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and Aaron Johnson are restricted free agents and need to offered contracts by July 1 or they can file for free agency.

And while Howson was careful not to show his hand as to his knowledge to the Jackets player personal, Hitchcock says he knows everything he needs to know at this point.

“He knows in intimate detail exactly what we got,” Hitchcock said. “We sat down very thoroughly when he came back for his second interview and went over every player, every young prospect player to where he fits, what’s expected and what’s there.”

Hitchcock said that the team could make subtle moves this offseason, but the foundation of the team is set. The team is going to rely on its youth—Rick Nash, Rusty Klesla, Pascal Leclaire and Dan Fritsche—and build around them with veterans.

Working with Howson will be an easy transition for Hitchcock because the philosophies in Edmonton are similar to those in Philadelphia and Dallas. Hitchcock, with the Stars, had to coach against the Oilers for five playoffs in a row.

“We have a clear understanding of what it takes to win,” Hitchcock said. “(Scott is a) deep thinker. He sees the big picture and I fight the fights. I go at it day-to-day and he looks at things month-to-month. In my opinion, that’s the only way you can succeed.”