There are rumors Ken Hitchcock may be the next head coach of the Blue Jackets. I guess he had a meeting with the team this last weekend and has been spotted around town.

John

His name has also come up as a possible candidate to replace Gretzky if and when the Coyotes decide to move in another direction. People close to Ken say he really wants to coach again, so regardless of where he ends up, he'll most likely have a new job before the end of this season. I'm kinda hoping he lands in Ohio. Those fans have been more than loyal to that terrible team, practically selling out every home game since they arrived in the league and that city deserves a winner. Who knows, Hitch could be the final piece to the puzzle and it would be interesting to see him further develop this team of underachievers.

what i've been hearing the most is taht he is goin to the BJs and not the coyotes. but don't listen to me i haven't heard that much about it

Columbus has some pretty good talent. They have been unlucky with injuries. It would be good to see them win some games and get a playoff appearance for their fans.

I wouldn't be surprised if he lands another coaching job somewhere, especially somewhere where they need somebody to turn things around a bit and win some more games. I think it's just a matter of time and where he gets a coaching job.

He was my first thought besides the GM MacLean when I heard about the firing in Columbus. They were talking to on the radio about Hitch not being good with young players though. They said he couldn't get through to guys like Richards, Carter and Umberger. It seems to me if this is true that he would also have troubles in Columbus with Nash and Zherdev. In Dallas he had a very veteran team and that is how he works best.
They were also talking about Andy Murray going to Columbus.

I think it's down to the wire on Murray and Hitchcock. If the BJs were smart they would take Hitchcock. In my opinion, he is the better coach.

I don't think they will be getting rid of Gretz in the near future though. He was asked to be a coach last year and he didn't think he'd like it. He did pretty good last year (well, so-so), but I don't really get how he is doing so badly this year, other than some of the trades that were made.