Who is Pascal Vincent? Three things to know about Columbus Blue Jackets new head coach
After Mike Babcock's resignation Sunday, Pascal Vincent was named the 10th Columbus Blue Jackets head coach in club history. He was given a two-year deal.
Here's what you need to know about the Blue Jackets' new leader.
Pascal Vincent was on the Columbus Blue Jackets' staff
Vincent has been on the Blue Jackets' coaching staff since 2021, when he signed a three-year deal with the team.
Originally an associate coach under Brad Larsen, Vincent joined Columbus after 10 years with the Winnipeg Jets organization as an NHL assistant and as the head coach of the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League.
When the Blue Jackets posted a 25-49-9 record this past season and finished 31st out of 32 NHL teams, Larsen was fired, and Vincent was considered a favorite to replace him.
“Pascal Vincent is an outstanding coach,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. “He knows our players and organization and is respected by everyone here. He was a strong candidate for our head coaching position several months ago and is in the best position to help us navigate this change as we begin camp and lead our team moving forward.”
Pascal Vincent has head coaching experience
From 2016-21, Vincent and the Manitoba Moose went 155-139-31. He was named AHL Coach of the Year in 2017-18 after leading the squad to 42 wins in 76 games.
Vincent was also the head coach of the Cape Brenton Screaming Eagles in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 1998-2008 and the Montreal Juniors from 2008-11. He was given the Ron Lapointe Trophy as the QMJHL's top head coach in 2007-08.
Pascal Vincent was a center in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
Prior to his coaching career, Vincent played center for St. Jean, Laval and Verdun from 1988-92. He posted 58 points (15 goals and 43 assists) in 252 career games.
Vincent also played one professional season in the ECHL with the Knoxville Cherokees.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What to know about Columbus Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent
