COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets announced the firing of general manager Jarmo Kekalainen on Thursday.
Kekalainen, 57, was the longest-tenured general manager in franchise history. However, the Blue Jackets possess the worst record in the Eastern Conference (16-26-10) and have not made the playoffs since the 2019-202 season.
Columbus made the playoffs five times under Kekalainen, but only won a single playoff series — which was their shocking first-round upset of first place Tampa Bay in a four-game sweep in 2019.
He was hired in February 2013, becoming the first European-born general manager in the NHL.
"This is one of the hardest days I have had in my career as Jarmo is a friend, someone I have a great deal of respect for and someone who has done a lot of good things during his time here," said John Davidson, the team's president of hockey operations and alternate governor. "While the future of our club is bright, our performance has not been good enough and it is time for a fresh perspective as we move forward."
Davidson, who currently serves as president of hockey operations, will assume general manager duties while the club looks for a replacement.
Kekalainen current contract ran through the 2024-25 season, but his status beyond the 2023-24 season questionable.
The Blue Jackets have struggled all season, starting the season 4-15-4 and suffered through a 9-game losing skid in the process. Columbus had lost 7 of their last 10 games prior to Kekalainen's tenure coming to an end.
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