We have a head coach. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Babcock has had input on the goalie coach hire.So we’d announce a goalie coach before a HC? Is that normal?
Yeah afaik Jarmo said earlier that they'd hire the coach first and then the goalie coach, if I remember right. So like mentioned, essentially another confirmation that Babcock is the head coach and it's just not being announced until later.So we’d announce a goalie coach before a HC? Is that normal?
I think he's pretty much been the European Goaltending scout and handling the European prospects as well. I liked him as a player. This is his first big time coaching gig so we'll see how it translates to handle the NHL guys. As of now, both of our goalies will be European so that could help. I still expect us to pick up another goalie (or 2 for AHL depth) along the way.Yeah afaik Jarmo said earlier that they'd hire the coach first and then the goalie coach, if I remember right. So like mentioned, essentially another confirmation that Babcock is the head coach and it's just not being announced until later.
Interesting if Bäckström is the new goalie coach. He's been with the club for a while, maybe this has been a long-term plan all along. I would be slightly wary of that Twitter user though, I seem to remember they were involved in some Twitter CBJ drama wars and not on the 'good' side... (Don't crucify me if I'm wrong but that's how I seem to remember...)
Some other Finn can probably fill us in on Bäckström's career since 2018 after he hung up the skates? Afaik he's been "around" goaltending coaching in some teams (Kärpät?), has been around the national team, has worked as a guest expert on TV, and has of course been with the CBJ as some kind of goalie development coach (his LinkedIn says "Goalie Development Coach" but I think that's the old title and not some newsbreaking story).
Looks like someone came through. Maybe Jarmo had it written down on a paper in the bathroom.would be nice if we could get any intel on who the candidates are.
I feel like it is easier to get government nuclear secrets than info on our coaching searches lately.
Yeah Legace while very good had to play a bit different being 5'10" from what I remember. I dont think that affects your ability to coach though.Backstrom seemed like a very technically sound goalie. That’s exactly what Elvis needs if it translates into coaching.
To draw a comparison, I think Legace was not a technical goalie at all, but I can’t remember for sure.
Could be a good change.
As someone who's watched Backstrom since the late 90s but is not a goalie expert by any means, I remember him being an elite goalie positionally. Seemed always square to the shooter, almost never over committed on passes or shots, he covered a lot of net because of that and the way he stood, sort of like Bob. He also usually looked very calm and didn't give up rebounds easily, which are probably areas Elvis has been struggling. But unlike Elvis, Korpi or Bob, his lateral movement ability/recovery speed was poor, I'd say it was way below league average in the NHL. I don't recall him being a great shootout/1v1 goalie either.Backstrom seemed like a very technically sound goalie. That’s exactly what Elvis needs if it translates into coaching.
Porty confirms that Backstrom is the guy for goalie coach.League sources have indicated to The Athletic that Niklas Bäckström, who has a tremendous playing career in Finland and with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, is likely to take on the task. An announcement will likely be made by the Jackets this week.
Bäckström has worked with the Blue Jackets as the Europe-based goaltending development coach since 2019-20.
Item #3: In limbo
The Blue Jackets can’t move forward with Babcock’s hiring until July 1 unless they reach an accord with Toronto to buy out the final month of his contract with the Maple Leafs. Until then, we likely won’t get an idea of who will be on Babcock’s staff.
Asked about the entire assistant coaching staff under former coach Brad Larsen — that’s associate coach Pascal Vincent, and assistant coaches Steve McCarthy, Kenny McCudden and Jared Boll — Kekalainen would say only that they “remain under contract.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be back with the club, however. Babcock has a coaching resume that spans 30 years, and he almost certainly has his own assistants in mind. He’ll likely be given latitude to bring in an entirely new staff if he wishes.
Vincent has been a candidate for the Blue Jackets’ top job during each of the last two vacancies. Kekalainen was so impressed with Vincent two years ago when he was interviewed for the job that went to Larsen that they compelled Vincent to move his family from Winnipeg to Columbus to become an associate coach.
During the lengthy process of replacing Larsen earlier this summer, Kekalainen continually stressed that Vincent was a candidate once again. At the same time, however, the Blue Jackets granted permission for Vincent to interview with Calgary (and possibly other clubs) for their openings.
Neither Vincent nor his agent, Neil Glasberg, responded to text messages this week. Neither did McCarthy, McCudden or Boll. Strange indeed.
Nicklas Bäckström the Swede in Caps,this really confused me at first I thought this was the Washington capitals player.
No.. that would be NashVincent, GM in training? Jarmos squire? Didn't they mention he's highly knowledgeable?
I hope he goes full belichick and hires all the ex fired HCs that he can. Let’s bring in sutter, Eakins, GallantNo.. that would be Nash
I’m don’t expect any of the assistants to be back . I’ve posted many times , Babcock is like Belichek as far as his assistant coaches . He gets the best coaches possible
He wasn't a coach...So how does this make us better than last year if he was already on the staff?
Additionally, he wasn't even in the country as far as I know.He wasn't a coach...
He wasn't the one giving directions. Or even involved in instructing players.
Just because he was employed with CBJ doesn't mean he was involved with coaching...