Don Granato has been appointed as an assistant coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets, joining the staff of head coach Rick Bowness. This marks Granato's return to the NHL following his tenure with the Buffalo Sabres, where he posted a 113-109-24 record over four seasons. He will be joining Jared Boll and Trent Vogelhuber on the coaching staff, as well as new video coach Cody Ward. Granato's experience and mentorship approach are anticipated to benefit the Blue Jackets, especially given their lineup of young talent.

By the Numbers
  • Granato's coaching record with the Sabres: 113 wins, 109 losses, 24 overtime losses.
  • Sabres' record under Granato improved compared to the previous 36-49-12 record.
State of Play
  • The Blue Jackets have recently extended Rick Bowness for another year, but questions about his long-term future remain.
  • Wood and Vogelhuber's promotions alongside Granato highlight a shift towards a younger coaching dynamic.
What's Next

The Blue Jackets will look to integrate Granato's coaching methods into their strategy as they navigate the upcoming season and further develop their young players. Bowness's potential retirement will also loom over the team's planning for future coaching decisions.

Bottom Line

Granato's addition to the coaching staff could signal a pivotal shift for the Blue Jackets, as they aim to leverage experience and mentorship to elevate their young roster and improve their overall performance next season.