Hitch Back In Blue

  General manager Scott Howson announced September 18, 2010 that former Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock has been named as a special advisor to the organization.

  Hitchcock will assist in the evaluation of the organization's personnel playing major junior hockey in the Canadian Hockey League and the collegiate ranks. He also will work with the coaching staff of the Springfield Falcons, the club’s AHL affiliate, and evaluate Blue Jackets prospects playing there, as well as scout NHL and AHL games.

  Hitchcock is a smart hockey mind, and passionate about the game. His departure from Columbus was never said to be for any other reason than a change in direction.

  Hitchcock served as the Blue Jackets' head coach from Nov. 22, 2006 to Feb. 3, 2010 and led the club to a 126-123-36 record in 285 games. He led the team to its’ first ever Playoff birth in 2008-2009, losing to Central Division rivals, the Detroit Red Wings.

  In 15 years Hitch has coached 1,042 career games splitting his time between the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets. He compiled a record of 534-350-88-70 with his career high being his only Stanley Cup championship in 1998-99 with the Stars, and his teams have made the playoffs 8 of 15 times.

  In the interim, after his firing from Columbus, Hitchcock served as an NHL Insider for the NHL’s NHL Live! Radio program, much like formerly fired coaches’ John Tortorella, Peter Laviolette, and Tom Renney joining the media side while looking for a job.

  Scott Howson knows Hitchcock is a smart guy and a great coach, and will be able to use his services to bring along some of their prospects and management personnel. The hiring is also out of respect for his services and love for the Columbus Blue Jackets team and community.

  Hitchcock was hopeful for another head coaching job as teams like Tampa and New Jersey passed on his services. Hitch will be tops on the list of available head coaches should anyone’s job come into question over next season, but he could also be poised to move up the ranks in Columbus’ management personnel in the future.

- Kendall Grubbs