The Columbus Blue Jackets have fired general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen, the team announced Thursday.
John Davidson, the team’s president of hockey operations, will take over the general manager duties along with members of the hockey operations department as the club goes through the process of hiring a replacement.
“This is one of the hardest days I have had in my career as Jarmo is a friend, someone I have a great deal of respect for and someone who has done a lot of good things during his time here,” Davidson wrote in a statement. “While the future of our club is bright, our performance has not been good enough and it is time for a fresh perspective as we move forward.”
Kekalainen was named the team’s third general manager in Blue Jackets history back on Feb. 13, 2013. During his tenure, Columbus went 410-362-97 record in 869 regular season games and reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs five times.
“On behalf of our ownership group, I’d like to thank Jarmo for his hard work and commitment over the past 11 years,” Blue Jackets owner and governor John P. McConnell said in a statement. “He and Tiina, and their daughters, are special people who will always be a part of our Blue Jackets family and I wish them the very best in the next chapter of their lives.”
The Blue Jackets’ next game comes on the road against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.
