Columbus Blue Jackets director of puck operations John Davidson described Thursday as a “tough day.”
Jarmo Kekäläinen was the GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets for 11 years. AOP / USA TODAY SPORTS
Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Thursday that the club fired GM Jarmo Kekäläinen.
Director of Puck Operations for the Blue Jackets John Davidson justified the kicks with results. Columbus is a jumbo team in the Eastern Conference, and the club has not made the playoffs in the previous three seasons.
– Jarmo is a dedicated and loyal person who did a lot of good things, Davidson said at a press conference in Columbus on Thursday.
Davidson, 70, said he recently had back surgery and has not been physically present at the club’s office.
– I also have a responsibility here.
Davidson and Kekäläinen have a long history together. They worked together for several seasons in the St. Louis Blues before the break in the 2010s.
Davidson told Kekäläinen about the club’s decision on Wednesday.
– I met Jarmo yesterday so that he had time to talk to his family. He wanted to call some puck operations employees. The conversation was difficult. Jarmo is a very professional person. But now it was time to turn the page and start the process.
According to Davidson, now was the right moment for firing.
– I knew this day could come when I hired him. This isn’t fun, but this is hockey.
Davidson was also confused in his speeches. He specifically claimed that Kekäläinen won the championship when he returned to Finland from the St. Louis Blues.
The Finn moved from the Blues to become the sporting director of the Helsinki Jokers for the 2010–2011 season and served as the club’s GM until the 2012–2013 season. In the middle of that season, Davidson hired Kekäläinen as Columbus’ GM.
Kekäläinen did not win a championship as the sports director of the Jokers. Jokerit won the SM bronze and advanced to the final of the European Trophy.
Answer the arguments
Kekäläinen (right) was hired as Columbus’ GM in the middle of the 2012-2013 season. He became the first ever European NHL club manager. John Davidson (left) worked with Kekäläinen already in the St. Louis Blues. Ari Lahti
Davidson told the Blue Jackets’ coaching staff and players about Kekäläinen’s firing on Thursday morning local time.
Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent gave the players peace after the news.
– The players are in shock and feel responsible for this.
The Blue Jackets plan to look for a new GM from outside the club, but there is no salary cap.
– When things go wrong, it’s our job to notice and react to it, Davidson said.
Columbus has been on a downward spiral in recent years, and this season has been no exception.
During the season, some of the players have been dissatisfied according to various media reports. Davidson denied the allegations.
– Many players want to play here. Difficult things have happened. No one has come and said they want to leave. At least no one has come to me and said this.