BREAKING: Columbus Blue Jackets fire general manager and announce replacement

Moments ago, Chris Johnston reported that the Columbus Blue Jackets have fired general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

Kekalainen has been the general manager of the Blue Jackets for the last eleven seasons, and with their current rebuild stalling and not moving forward after two massive acquisitions in Laine and Gaudreau, the team is still in the basement of the standings. After the fiasco with Mike Babcock earlier this year, it's surprising they didn't come to this decision sooner.

Now, Columbus will need to find or appoint an interim GM to get them through the next incredibly difficult part of the season for a team in their position, the trade deadline. Columbus will be a key player at this year's deadline as sellers.


Just seconds ago now, the Jackets have appointed John Davidson as interim GM.


The Blue Jackets have been a disaster for several years now, and it's long overdue to make a change at the GM level. Kekalainen was the league's second longest-serving GM, and for a team with such little success, it was time for something to finally give. Still, it's an interesting time to make the decision.