- Columbus Blue Jackets Implement Coaching Staff Changes
- Utah to Host the 2027 Winter Classic
- Key NHL Injury Updates
- Coaching Changes in Columbus, a Winter Classic in Utah, and Injury Updates
- The Columbus Blue Jackets make some coaching changes
- Next Year’s Winter Classic will be held in Utah
- NHL Injury Notes
Columbus Blue Jackets Implement Coaching Staff Changes
The Columbus Blue Jackets have made adjustments to their coaching staff, declining assistant coaching options for Scott Ford and Mike Haviland, and not retaining video coach Aron Augustitus. Assistant coach Jared Boll and goalie coach Niklas Backstrom are set to remain with the team. General Manager Don Waddell stated that these changes were deemed necessary for the club’s future, following end-of-season evaluations. AHL coach Trent Vogelhuber is reportedly a candidate for a potential promotion within the organization.
Utah to Host the 2027 Winter Classic
Salt Lake City, Utah, has been selected as the host for the 2027 Winter Classic. The event will feature the Utah Mammoth against the Colorado Avalanche on New Year’s Eve at Rice-Eccles Stadium. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman indicated the game will take place in the late afternoon/early evening Eastern Time, with some play potentially occurring under the lights. Utah Mammoth owner Ryan Smith envisions the event as a weekend-long celebration, including a concert and New Year’s Eve festivities at the Delta Center, aiming to showcase the state and create a significant fan experience.
Key NHL Injury Updates
Several NHL teams are dealing with player injuries. Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson left a recent game, with an update expected after an upcoming practice. Edmonton Oilers forward Jason Dickinson was present at the arena for the morning skate but did not participate on the ice. The Minnesota Wild have provided updates on Mats Zuccarello, who skated independently prior to practice and is considered questionable for Game 4 with an upper-body injury sustained from an elbow to the head. Forward Yakov Trenin was absent from the ice. Defenseman Zach Bogosian did not practice but is anticipated to play. Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson is out with a concussion, with coach Travis Green noting his condition is not improving. Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar is a game-time decision, with coach Rick Tocchet indicating that two days of maintenance should aid his recovery.
Coaching Changes in Columbus, a Winter Classic in Utah, and Injury Updates
The Columbus Blue Jackets make some coaching changes
The Columbus Blue Jackets have opted not to renew the assistant coaching contracts for Scott Ford and Mike Haviland, and video coach Aron Augustitus will also depart. However, assistant coach Jared Boll and goalie coach Niklas Backstrom will remain with the team. In a statement, GM Don Waddell explained that these staff adjustments were decided upon in collaboration with head coach Rick Bowness and are considered beneficial for the team’s future. Trent Vogelhuber, currently coaching in the AHL, is being considered for a promotion.
Next Year’s Winter Classic will be held in Utah
The NHL has announced that the 2027 Winter Classic will take place in Utah, with the Utah Mammoth hosting the Colorado Avalanche on New Year’s Eve at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Commissioner Gary Bettman described the game’s timing as prime time for Eastern viewers, with some of the event potentially being played under lights. Mammoth owner Ryan Smith plans to expand the event into a full weekend, including a concert and New Year’s Eve celebration at the Delta Center, aiming to create a comprehensive experience for visitors and showcase Utah.
NHL Injury Notes
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson exited Thursday’s game, and an update is pending an upcoming practice. Edmonton Oilers forward Jason Dickinson was at the arena for morning skate but not on the ice. Minnesota Wild forward Mats Zuccarello skated individually before practice; he is questionable for Game 4 due to an upper-body injury after a hit to the head. Forward Yakov Trenin did not skate. Defenseman Zach Bogosian is expected to play despite missing practice. Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson is out with a concussion, as his condition is not improving. Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar is a game-time decision, with coach Rick Tocchet suggesting two days of rest will be beneficial.
