Blue Jackets Extend Bowness, Aim for Playoffs

0:00It's April 17th. This is NHL News today, AI Power Stories from Inside Your Team. The Columbus Blue Jackets just inked head coach Rick Bownes to a one-year contract extension. This drops right after exit interviews, with the team missing playoffs for the sixth year in a row. Everyone's gutted, but they see Bownes as key to turning it around. General Manager Don Waddell announced it Thursday, highlighting Bownes' strong work over the last 37 games. He stressed the coach's player communication and consistency in getting the squad game ready, even amid the disappointment. Players couldn't get enough of him. Everyone in exit meetings said they respect Bownes and hold teed stay. Folks like Damon Severson called him the best coach they've had, and the vibe is mutual after his tough post-game talk on needing to learn winning. Bownes jumped at the chance to return. Dead set on playoff hockey. He's eyeing big fixes, like boosting special teams and training camp, and sticking to the process that sparked early wins, with a full off season to tweak.

1:02The staff and strategy. Now with this locked in before free agency hits, the Jackets gain real stability. Bownes and the crew are all in unsettling that unfinished business come next season.