Insider Reveals The Columbus Blue Jackets Are Looking To Steal Their New GM From Another Organization

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Tyler Ball
February 17, 2024 (0:12)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets relieved General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen of his role earlier this week. Since firing Kekalainen there has been mass amounts of speculation over who the new boss might end up being. One source believes the organization already has a frontrunner.

New GM Candidate Emerges For The Columbus Blue Jackets

In their search for a new General Manager the Columbus Blue Jackets are expected to consider several candidates.

A new report from NHL insider Darren Dreger indicates that one name could be at the top of the list. Former New York Rangers General Manager and current Executive Vice President Of Hockey Ops for the Montreal Canadiens Jeff Gorton is the big fish the Blue Jackets are hoping to reel in.

"As speculation buildsNot sure how the Canadiens would feel about this, but why wouldn't CBJ call Montreal and ask permission to speak with Jeff Gorton? History with Davidson and a GM at heart. Geoff Molson might hang up, but is there harm in asking?"

While Gorton has plenty of experience and personal knowledge of how John Davidson operates the Canadiens might not be so willing to allow Gorton to jump ship. Since arriving in Montreal with General Manager Kent Hughes Gorton has been pivotal in many different roster decisions.

Does The Blue Jackets Interest In Gorton Reveal Their Plans For The Future?

With the supposed interest in Gorton this confirms an interesting piece of information.

When Kekalainen was fired many wondered if ownership would fully clean house and start again. However, with the news of President Of Hockey Ops and Alternate Governor John Davidson leading the search for a new General Manager, this is not the case. Davidson will stay on and oversee whoever he hires to be the new GM.

If Davidson's input is weighed heavily enough the Blue Jackets could take a massive run and Gorton as the two worked together in New York. As with any hiring situation, the landscape remains fluid. If and when there are updates on the General Manager search we will pass them along to you.

As Read On - Blade Of Steel - Insider Suggest the Columbus Blue Jackets Poach Their Next GM from the Montreal Canadiens