The Columbus Blue Jackets have relieved head coach Dean Evason, a former Kamloops Blazer, and assistant coach Steve McCarthy of their duties, the team announced Tuesday. Evason, 61, led the Blue Jackets to a 59-52-16 record in 127 games since joining the club in July 2024. Columbus currently sits eighth in the Metropolitan Division with a 19-19-7 record.

“Dean did a tremendous job last year under extremely difficult circumstances,” said GM Don Waddell. “This decision was not made lightly, but it was necessary given our performance this season.”

Evason played junior hockey with the Kamloops Blazers before building a coaching career that included stints with Columbus and Minnesota. He finishes with a 206-129-43 record in 378 NHL games as a head coach.

Veteran NHL coach Rick Bowness has been named Evason’s replacement.