BillsSabresB.C.T. Fan
06-05-2010, 11:38 AM
The Blue Jackets have extended an offer to Guy Boucher to become their next coach, The Dispatch has learned via NHL sources.
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson would not comment, but NHL sources said Boucher was pondering an offer this weekend with an agreement to get back with Howson by early next week.
Boucher, coach of the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs, did not immediately respond to a message left by The Dispatch.
The Dispatch has learned that Boucher interviewed twice with Howson -- once in Hamilton, Ont., while Howson was attending the NHL Scouting Combine late last month, and once last week in Columbus.
It would be seen as a bold move by Howson should Boucher accept the job.
At 38, Boucher would be the youngest coach in the NHL, not to mention the least experienced. Boucher has only one season of pro coaching experience, and prior to that only three seasons as coach of Drummondville in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Dineen was seen as the front-runner for the job by many around the NHL, given his status as an up-and-comer in the coaching ranks and his previous ties to the Columbus organization. He was an original Blue Jacket, playing in 2000-01 and 2001-02 before becoming development coach for two seasons.
http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2010/06/boucher_is_the_guy.shtml
Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson would not comment, but NHL sources said Boucher was pondering an offer this weekend with an agreement to get back with Howson by early next week.
Boucher, coach of the American Hockey League's Hamilton Bulldogs, did not immediately respond to a message left by The Dispatch.
The Dispatch has learned that Boucher interviewed twice with Howson -- once in Hamilton, Ont., while Howson was attending the NHL Scouting Combine late last month, and once last week in Columbus.
It would be seen as a bold move by Howson should Boucher accept the job.
At 38, Boucher would be the youngest coach in the NHL, not to mention the least experienced. Boucher has only one season of pro coaching experience, and prior to that only three seasons as coach of Drummondville in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Dineen was seen as the front-runner for the job by many around the NHL, given his status as an up-and-comer in the coaching ranks and his previous ties to the Columbus organization. He was an original Blue Jacket, playing in 2000-01 and 2001-02 before becoming development coach for two seasons.
http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2010/06/boucher_is_the_guy.shtml