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Dean Evason berates ex-coaches with no vested interest against former teams
The Columbus Blue Jackets completed the appointment of Dean Evason as their new coach on Monday. Notably, the 59-year-old became the fifth coach since 2020 and the first following Mike Babcock's resignation last September.
An intriguing start awaits Evason as he faces his former club, the Minnesota Wild, in the Blue Jackets' season opener in October. The Wild fired Evason in November last year after an underwhelming 5-10-4 start and a seven-game losing streak. He spent five seasons with the club.
Dean Evason sees the 2024-25 season opener against the Wild as more than just a game; it's an opportunity for him to make a statement against his former team. The Blue Jackets new boss expressed his perspective and criticized former coaches who show no emotional investment when facing their former teams.
He emphasized that such games hold significance despite the common refrain that they don't matter. In his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Dean Evason said (via NHL.com):
"I dislike when ex-coaches say, 'These games mean nothing to me,' ” Evason said.
“Of course this game means something to you, right? They just fired me last year. Of course it means something. Do we want to win any more than we want to win game two? No. You want to win every game. But does it mean something to you? Yeah, absolutely."
The Blue Jackets coach highlighted the personal importance of their first matchup of the new season and commitment to preparing the squad for a strong start.
“Fortunately or unfortunately I can't put skates on anymore, so we will do our best to get the team prepared to play that game one and definitely get off on the right foot.”
Dean Evason aims for a team willing to give their all in every game
Evason wants every player on the team, regardless of their age or experience, to give their best in every game on the ice. He believes in hard work and unity, making it clear that opponents will have to grind hard to beat the Blue Jackets.
“A big thing for me is building a team first mentality,” Evason said. “I mean you have to have guys who are selfish buggers to score goals, but it has to be within the team and you have to do it with your teammate.
I think that's a strength of mine - I know it is - to build a team-first mentality and play hard for each other, not for me, not for Don, but for each other. We will try to get after that immediately.”
Dean Evason posted a 147-77-27 record while serving as the coach of the Minnesota Wild for five seasons. Moreover, the 59-year-old also had a 13-year NHL career, accumulating 372 points through 139 goals and 233 assists in 803 games.
He played as a center for the likes of the Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames.
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