Waddell ready to work on Blue Jackets roster

Waddell pointed out that “we have a pretty good start here” when it comes to roster building because of the players and prospects available. But it’s still early days, and the Blue Jackets have many areas of improvement after finishing last in the Eastern Conference this year.

The good news is that Waddell has a good idea of ​​what he’s up against as he takes over a Metropolitan Division team he’s battled closely against in recent seasons.

“We knew they were going to play hard; they weren’t going to give up at all,” Waddell said when asked what he knew about the Blue Jackets. “Towards the end of the year there were so many players out and missing some top players. But the team always played hard. The children – I call them children because they are so young – but we have always talked about it, it makes a difference. And they played hard too.

“You have a tough team to play against with some of the guys, the (Erik) Gudbransons and (Mathieu) Oliviers of the world. There have been a lot of injuries this year, of course. We need to get some of the younger players to take the next step to continue to develop what we have at the moment, but I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we had no chance, that’s for sure. .”

Several times during his introductory press conference, Waddell explained that he believed the Blue Jackets might not be that far from being a much better team, with many pieces in place to build a competitor.

But there are still some areas he will likely look to start with when making decisions this summer. One of those areas could be adding veteran presences in the room, as the Blue Jackets have been one of the youngest teams in the NHL in each of the past few seasons as they have launched in rebuilding the alignment.

It’s fair to say he won’t make signings or trades just to make them, but one thing he knows about Carolina is the benefit of having some experience, both when he s It’s about winning matches but also helping young players learn what it takes. earn. Carolina had a veteran captain in Jordan Staal who helped, but Waddell acquired a host of other experienced players over the years as the Canes searched for the ultimate prize.

“I firmly believe in surrounding yourself with people who have won,” he said. “Once you win, there is no second place. He has to fit the list and he has to help the list. What’s happening in Cleveland right now is the best thing for our organization, for them to win a championship.

“No matter what level you play at, you play to win. If you win, you are still considered a winner. If there are a few guys that you think can contribute on the ice and help us with some of the younger players on the ice, you automatically make those moves.

Some of the biggest speculation about what Waddell will do involves personnel matters, including the coaching staff. Pascal Vincent took over as coach just before training camp and was a leader for the first time at the NHL level, but Waddell said any changes would come once he gets to know the field during his stay in Columbus.

“I’m here now, so…over the next week or two, I’ll meet everyone, including Pascal,” Waddell said. “I only know him as a coach, watching his team; This is the first time I’ve met him. We have a lot to do here – draft, free agency, coaching. Getting everything sorted is vitally important.

“That is going to take time. I don’t want to impose a timetable – we know the draft will be at the end of June, we know free agency will start on July 1. The other things, as we work on them with the group here, we’ll get answers.

Waddell had the same answer when it came to roster-specific improvements. From his time in Carolina, he knows many of the players on the NHL team – he noted that he once attempted to trade for goaltender Elvis Merzlikins when he was a promising player – but the rest will come with it. the weather.

“I need some time,” he said. “I know the roster, the guys who played in the NHL. I don’t know the players who are arriving. Obviously, Cleveland is on a great run in the American League right now; I know some names, but I can’t tell you they’re ready to play next year. We have a great team here running this – Chris Clark and Rick Nash and all that. These guys will be able to tell me a little more over time.

What’s comforting, though, is that Waddell isn’t afraid to take action. More than that, he sees potential with the roster and farm system he inherited.

“When I look at the NHL roster, there are some things we need to figure out,” he said. “It’s pretty obvious, but there’s enough good stuff here that if we can figure out the weak links in our record from last year, I think we can fix this pretty quickly. That’s why I feel good.