Let the speculation on the future of the Blue Jackets' hockey operations leadership cease.
The team announced Thursday a trio of contract extensions: what's being termed "multi-year extensions" for president of hockey operations John Davidson, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, and newly-promoted associate general manager Bill Zito.
In the Davidson Era, which began in 2012, the Blue Jackets have played to a .566 points percentage (238-178-42 overall record) compared to .445 in their first 11 seasons in the NHL. Three of their four Stanley Cup playoff appearances have come under the leadership of Davidson and Kekalainen.
"Under John Davidson's leadership, our club has made great strides over the past six seasons and this long-term commitment speaks to the confidence that our ownership group, led by John P. McConnell, has in his vision for our team," said Blue Jackets President Mike Priest. "The plan implemented by our hockey operations senior management team is working and we are pleased that these talented and committed individuals will continue to lead our hockey operations efforts for years to come."
In the club's statement, Davidson said he is "extremely happy to announce contract extensions for Jarmo Kekalainen and Bill Zito. They are very intelligent, hard-working and dedicated individuals that have established an excellent scouting and player development program that has been critically important to our growth and improvement as a hockey club."
