Columbus was last in the Metropolitan Division this season. It’s finished last in the Eastern Conference in each of the past two seasons and no higher than sixth in its division since 2019-20.
Under Vincent, the Blue Jackets were 31st in goals-against per game (3.63), tied for 24th in goals per game (2.85), 31st on the power play (15.1 percent) and tied for 25th on the penalty kill (76.3 percent).
The Blue Jackets have one pending unrestricted free agent, forward Brendan Gaunce, who cleared waivers and was assigned to Cleveland of the American Hockey League on May 28. They have six pending restricted free agents: forwards Yegor Chinakhov, Kirill Marchenko, Alexander Nylander, Cole Sillinger and Alexandre Texier, and defenseman Jake Bean.
Several of their key players are signed for at least two more seasons, including forwards Johnny Gaudreau (five seasons), Boone Jenner (two) and Patrik Laine (two), defensemen Zach Werenski (four) and Damon Severson (seven), and goalie Elvis Merzlikins (three). They have six selections in the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, including the No. 4 pick.
Vincent is the 11th NHL coach fired this season, joining Jay Woodcroft (Edmonton Oilers), Dean Evason (Minnesota Wild), Craig Berube (St. Louis Blues), D.J. Smith (Ottawa Senators), Lane Lambert (New York Islanders), Todd McLellan (Los Angeles Kings), Lindy Ruff (New Jersey Devils), Don Granato (Buffalo Sabres), David Quinn (San Jose Sharks) and Dave Hakstol (Seattle Kraken). Rick Bowness retired as Jets coach.
NHL.com independent correspondent Craig Merz contributed to this report
