MacLean out as Blue Jackets’ general manager

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -The Columbus Blue Jackets fired president and general manager Doug MacLean, whose teams did not come within 19 points of the playoffs in the franchise’s six seasons.
Team spokesman Todd Sharrock confirmed the firing on Thursday morning after several media reports said MacLean had been let go Wednesday night.
Principal owner John H. McConnell, minority owners and team officials met Wednesday and agreed to dismiss MacLean, the architect of a team that had gone 172-258-62 since joining the league in 2000 and 33-42-7 this past season.
Led by coach Ken Hitchcock, and with players such as Rick Nash and Sergei Fedorov, the Blue Jackets finished 23 points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Their record this season is 24th among the league’s 30 teams.
Sharrock said team officials would hold a news conference later Thursday.
Jody Shelley, with the team from its inception, said he was stunned by the dismissal despite the lack of success by the team.
“As a player, I’m really surprised,” he said. “You hear the rumors but you just figure it comes with not meeting expectations. Then when the other shoe drops, you’re still shocked.”