The Blue Jackets have added a familiar name and face to their staff.
Gregory Campbell has joined the Blue Jackets as an assistant player development coach, joining Chris Clark and Jarko Ruutu as the other development coaches. Clark and Campbell will both manage North American development and Ruutu will continue managing European development.
Campbell most recently played in 2015-16, playing in 82 games, scoring three goals and helping with eight assists for a total of 11 points.
The move comes as a surprise considering that Campbell was playing as recently as last season. Campbell refused an assignment to the AHL saying that he didn't want to take a spot from someone else. Shortly after, his contract was terminated. Later in the year, he played in the Spengler Cup for Canada, where the team won the championship yet again.
Campbell spoke to the Dispatch and explained the pathway that led him to this point.
“I had a lot of time to think about things over the last six or seven months,” Campbell said. “I wasn’t ready to stop playing, but that’s how it ends for most guys, and when it happens, you’ve got to move on. I feel like I have a lot to offer, but I also have a lot to learn, too, and the management group here was willing to give me an opportunity that will let me experience different parts of the game.”
Jarmo Kekalainen when speaking with the Dispatch, noted how important it was to add someone like Campbell.
“I’m a big believer that when you recognize quality individuals, you try to find a role for them and bring them in,” Kekalainen said. “When you find somebody with extraordinary character, you make room for that in your organization.”
