Overview
- Columbus made the NHL’s first in-season coaching change of 2025–26, dismissing Dean Evason and hiring veteran Rick Bowness.
- Pierre LeBrun reported that Bowness signed only through the end of the season, creating potential offseason uncertainty behind the bench.
- Players stressed rapid adaptation to Bowness’s approach, with Boone Jenner and Zach Werenski emphasizing details, communication and focus during a playoff chase.
- Erik Gudbranson returned from injured reserve and said the team must ask questions and learn quickly as systems adjustments begin.
- The move followed poor results that left Columbus at the bottom of the Metro Division, and analysts say the firing heightens pressure on other struggling NHL coaches.