Columbus Blue Jackets: Is this Jarmo Kekalainen’s last stand?

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has the deck stacked against him. Could this be his last stand as their general manager?

The Columbus Blue Jackets are about to enter what is arguably their most important season in franchise history. Their two best players (Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky) are in the final seasons of their respective contracts. Moreover, their entire front office and coaching staff has one year remaining on their respective deals.

This includes general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. Since joining the Blue Jackets in 2013, the team has seen unparalleled success. Before Kekalainen, Columbus had made just one appearance Stanley Cup Playoffs (2008-09) in 11 seasons.

More from Puck Prose

• Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
• This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
• 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
• 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
• This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings

Whether it’s fair or not, he’s likely on the hot seat entering the 2018-19 season. How the front office handles the potentially awkward situations with Panarin and Bobrovsky is probably going to determine his future with the Blue Jackets.

Now, Kekalainen has done a lot of good things in Columbus. Before he joined the front office, the Blue Jackets only had one postseason appearance in franchise history. And that was a sweep. Also, under Kekalianen’s rule, the Blue Jackets have acquired some very good players at very cheap prices.

For example, in 2014, Columbus acquired Scott Hartnell from the Philadelphia Flyers for R.J. Umberger and a fourth-round pick. Umberger played his last game in 2016, picking up 26 points over two seasons. Meanwhile, Hartnell posted at least 26 points in each of his three seasons with the Blue Jackets before eventually being bought out.

Kekalainen has also traded for players such as Seth Jones, Brandon Saad, and Artemi Panarin. He’s also responsible for signing Bobrovsky to an extension. Moreover, the Blue Jackets have drafted players such as Zach Werenski, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Vitaly Abramov, Sonny Milano, Gabriel Carlsson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Alexander Wennberg.

Though it’s debatable how much credit Kekalainen (or any general manager) deserves for draft picks, it’s undeniable Columbus’ best days as an NHL franchise have come with him as their general manager.

However, the Blue Jackets have yet to see any success in the postseason. Despite having three appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs over the past five seasons, Columbus has yet to win a postseason series.

Each time they’ve made the playoffs, they’ve lost in the first-round to their conference’s eventual representative in the Stanley Cup Final. The past three times, the Blue Jackets have lost to the eventual champions. It’s debatable how much of the blame belongs to Kekalainen, but he could be the scapegoat if things don’t go well in 2018-19.

The Blue Jackets have a President of Hockey Operations in John Davidson. He’s above Kekalainen on the food chain and in many ways, the two are connected. Davidson was hired in October of 2012 and hired Kekalainen back in February of 2013.

Should Columbus not at least make the playoffs, there’s likely going to be some changes coming, both to their roster and their staff. Ownership could give an ultimatum to Davidson to get rid of Kekalainen. Or maybe a more lucrative job will be vacant by the end of next season and Jarmo could simply refuse to sign an extension.

At some point, the Blue Jackets have to start making some changes. Head coach John Tortorella could be the first to go and might even buy Kekalainen some time. But still, with his contract expiring after the 2018-19 season, it’s up to him to show he deserves an extension. The only way Kekalainen can do that is to play his cards right with Bobrovsky and Panarin.

There’s just one issue – everyone at the table knows he has a bad hand. Panarin’s reported interest in returning to the Chicago Blackhawks will likely discourage teams from giving up much to acquire him.

Also, Bobrovsky is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner who will be 30 in September and likely wants the security of a long-term deal. Giving a long-term extension to a goalie who will be 31 before playing a single game under said extension probably isn’t a wise decision. But Bobrovsky can point to the deals given to Henrik Lundqvist and Carey Price. And, to his credit, Bob has more Vezina Trophies (two) than either of them (one each). Still, that sounds like the type of contract that might buy you some time, but could lead to you being fired.

Kekalainen must decide what to do with two elite players and help the Blue Jackets exorcise some postseason demons. The odds are stacked against him. It’s probably not fair that Kekalainen’s job could be on the line. But hey, hockey’s a ruthlessly cruel and unfair sport.