The Wake-Up Call to Rick Bowness That Saved the Blue Jackets
I’ve got to say, I’ve been a fan of Rick Bowness for a long time. I really came to appreciate him back when he was with the Winnipeg Jets. He left the team for a while because his wife was ill; he wanted to be there for her, and you can’t argue with that. When he came back, the players just rallied around him. You could see it—they were genuinely happy to have him back behind the bench. That’s the kind of coach people love to play for.
Ever since then, I’ve kept an eye on him. So when Columbus called him up, even at 70, I was genuinely glad. One old guy calling another, giving him the chance to do it his way—and the results? Well, let’s just say he hasn’t disappointed with the Blue Jackets.
The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything.
You don’t need spreadsheets or fancy graphs to see what’s going on in Columbus right now. Since Jan. 13, the Blue Jackets have been playing like a team that finally knows what it wants. They’re 16-2-4 in 22 games, and they’re not just squeaking by—they’re scoring over 3.5 goals a night while keeping their opponents under 2.6. It’s the kind of turnaround that makes you sit back and think, sometimes one phone call and a new approach can change everything.
GM Don Waddell woke up that morning with a plan. He knew Dean Evason’s time had run out and had a list of potential replacements. And then, just lying there before sunrise, the name Rick Bowness popped into his head. He hadn’t spoken to him in months, but something said, “This is the guy.” A quick call later—and after checking in with his wife, of course—Bowness was all in.
Bowness Inspires Communication, Confidence, and Chemistry.
Bowness isn’t flashy. He’s not running around with tricks or complex schemes. He’s a coaching lifer who knows how to talk to players, set expectations, and give young guys room to grow. That’s exactly what Columbus needed. The offence is humming, the power play is firing at 25 percent, the penalty kill is solid, and the players actually look like they enjoy playing for one another. It’s simple: clear roles, good communication, and confidence.
The Blue Jackets Have Depth and Momentum.
It’s not just the stats. Young players are stepping up, veterans are leading by example, and everyone’s buying in. That combination—preparation, opportunity, and timing—is why they’re suddenly in the mix for a playoff spot. Columbus finally has a pulse, a plan, and a coach who seems to know exactly what he’s doing. And at this point in the season, that’s more than enough to keep you awake at night if you’re chasing them in the standings.