Blue Jackets Must Improve Recruiting Process For Top Talent – Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the midst of one of their most important decisions in franchise history. Who will they hire as their next general manager?

With the regular season over, the Blue Jackets have begun their recruiting process. They will probably have to wait until later in the playoffs before they can get to everyone they want to talk to.

There is one very important aspect of this whole story that does not get enough attention. Before we get into this topic, let's ask a question. Keep this in mind as we go through this situation. Remember when the Blue Jackets had one of the highest paid GMs in the league or one of the highest paid coaches in the league?

Setting the Scene

If you've had a hard time coming up with an answer to this, you're not alone. One thing the Blue Jackets have never done in their franchise history is open the wallet for coaches and senior management.

The Blue Jackets had named coaches. Ken Hitchcock and John Tortorella come to mind. But both never came close to being among the top earners of their peers.

Here is where it gets interesting. The Blue Jackets have shown at least that they are willing to open the wallet for serious players. Zach Werenski was paid. Johnny Gaudreau chose the Blue Jackets and got paid. Although Artemi Panarin left in free agency, the Blue Jackets made a last-ditch effort to keep him. They reportedly offered him a huge contract that would make him one of the highest paid in the NHL.

But when it comes to coaches and managers, that same effort hasn't been made, at least not yet. But why? Ultimately that comes down to ownership and what they are willing to spend on certain aspects of the team.

In this most important recruitment, nothing can be left on the table. All means of bringing in the right people should be considered. If that means making them among the highest paid, he does it. If the Blue Jackets are serious about getting out of the NHL basement, they need to make decisions that show how serious they are about making that happen.

Current situation

Two years of Brad Larsen. One year so far for Pascal Vincent. The Blue Jackets aren't even close to sniffing the NHL playoffs. After Tortorella left, it was the first two coaches trying to make their way with a team filled with veteran players and young talent. It didn't work.

Vincent may or may not get a chance depending on what the next GM thinks of the situation. What we do know is that he is not among the highest paid coaches in the league. You are still young.

At some point the Blue Jackets have to improve their recruiting process not just for the general manager, but for all the coaches. They must demonstrate a willingness to attract top talent. That means paying them like that.

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The Blue Jackets can no longer afford to penny pinch in these situations. There is a reason why the top guys get paid more. They are knowledgeable and get the job done.

The current state of the Blue Jackets screams the need for information everywhere. John Davidson has said on record that they need someone with experience who has had a front seat in this game.

It should be whatever it takes. They should not just open the wallet, they should add titles and President of Hockey Operations for the right candidate. Davidson said he would do it for the right person.

The Importance of This Method

A look at the Blue Jackets' roster shows why it's important to spend money to acquire top talent. It is a list full of power and promise. Adam Fantilli could be one of the best players in the NHL later in his career.

The Blue Jackets have one of the best and most loaded prospect pools. That alone does not guarantee making the playoffs or continued success. There must be leadership at all levels of the organization for meaningful progress.

Given the way the team has handled Mike Babcock's situation, there is concern that they may not find the right person this time as it is managed by one leadership. In order to find the right candidate, cost cannot be something that can stop the process. It is too important a decision to let a few million dollars distract the right person.

Ultimately, this will apply to coaches. Vincent has another year left. He can still get another contract if the team goes his way. If it doesn't work with him though, the Blue Jackets need an experienced and successful coach. Costs can't stop with this one.

This also applies to assistant coaches and other senior staff. Winning in the NHL can be very expensive. Those willing to invest resources in multiple areas of their team get to enjoy the rewards. The Blue Jackets have long lagged behind in their willingness to pay for key leadership positions.

Pay

It's really easy now. The Green Jackets need to pay. The difference between having the right people in place and the wrong people in place will bring the franchise back even more than it already is.

Especially considering the young talent coming to the Blue Jackets, they need experience at all levels to get the most out of their youth while setting them up for future success. Top talent sees the situation and would love to get a chance to work with these players. But if they cannot earn an annual salary like their peers, they will look for places where they are respected.

The Blue Jackets have shown a willingness to pay players at important times. Now is the time to do the same at the management and training levels. More investment now will lead to bigger gains later in the form of more home games in the playoffs and possibly a championship run if all goes well.

Pay up. If not, expect similar losses with the Green Jackets.