Columbus Blue Jackets
· 2026-06-24
The Columbus Blue Jackets are close to naming their new coaching staff, with Trent Vogelhuber's promotion expected soon.
The Blue Jackets parted ways with three members of Rick Bowness' coaching staff two months ago.
Vogelhuber, 37, is from Dublin and was the first local player to be drafted by the Blue Jackets in 2007.
Vogelhuber's promotion will bring offensive expertise to the team, likely overseeing the power play and working with forwards.
He guided the Cleveland Monsters to the AHL's Calder Cup Playoffs in three of his four seasons as head coach.
The Blue Jackets are waiting for contracts to expire to target coaches who worked in the NHL this past season.
Don Waddell, the Blue Jackets' president/GM, said "we're making a lot of progress" in the search for new staff.
The team must wait until July 1 to hire a second assistant, who will oversee the penalty kill and defense pairings.
Vogelhuber's experience in the AHL will be valuable in his new role with the Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets retained goaltending coach Niklas Backstrom, skills coach Jared Boll, and assistant video coach Cam Briere.
Waddell is expected to announce Vogelhuber's promotion soon, possibly this week.
The Blue Jackets are looking to improve their performance next season with the new coaching staff.
Vogelhuber's local roots and experience in the AHL make him a great fit for the Blue Jackets.
The team's fans are excited to see the new coaching staff in action.
The Blue Jackets will look to build on their progress from last season with the new staff.