Blue Jackets are negotiating with Scott Arniel

Again, so says The Dispatch.

Before I address Scott Arniel, let me get this off my chest: Thank God for Rick Gethin and The Hockey Writers.  Working in tandem with Matt Wagner at The Cannon and me, Rick took the Scott Arniel part of the DBJ Coaching Candidate Challenge and came up with a couple great articles to explain more about Arniel, his background and his coaching style - which you can find through the links to the left.  Quite literally, if it was not for Rick, we wouldn't know anything of substance on the man.  That's right, there was zero newspaper or other major media coverage on him beyond the "horse race".  So let's offer some kudos where they are deserved!

As for Arniel himself, he sounds like another great option for Scott Howson and the Columbus Blue Jackets.  His system isn't revolutionary like Guy Boucher's (but Boucher's is largely unproven at the NHL level, making his whole candidacy a risk), but what I like about Arniel - based off of what I've read from Rick's pieces as well as some back-chatter - is that he knows how to coach.  And teach.  And get lesser players to play better.  And win.  Arniel has an AHL Calder Cup under his belt, remember.

I am not disappointed in the least that it appears that Scott Arniel could become the next head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  The guy's clearly got talent, and a positive resolution to contract negotiations - especially in light of not being Howson's first choice - means that he really wants to be here in Columbus.  This team - and this town - can use that vote of confidence from a winner like him.

[UPDATE: Per the Columbus Blue Jackets' Twitter feed, it's done.  Press conference tomorrow at 3PM.  Welcome, Coach Arniel!]