Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell stated that head coach Rick Bowness will adjust his coaching style, saying Bowness will "tone it down" moving forward. The comments were reported by Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch on Sunday.
Waddell's remarks suggest a shift in approach for the 69-year-old Bowness, who is in his first season as Columbus' head coach after serving as an assistant with the team last year. Bowness has extensive NHL coaching experience, including previous head coaching roles with Winnipeg, Ottawa, the New York Islanders, Phoenix, Dallas, and most recently as associate coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Blue Jackets are currently navigating a rebuilding phase, and Waddell's indication of a stylistic adjustment from behind the bench could signal a strategic pivot for the franchise.
