Don Waddell was named general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the summer of 2024, bringing with him extensive experience and a solid reputation.
Having previously worked as GM of the Carolina Hurricanes, where he contributed to the development of a competitive team. His arrival in Columbus marks a turning point for the Blue Jackets, who are looking to build on the foundation laid by the team’s young talent to once again become playoff contenders.
Although most of his work is done away from the public eye, he intends to be a present GM for the fans.
Indeed, as reported Aaron Portzlinethe Jackets GM leaves his dressing room during intermissions to chat with the team’s fans on site at the Nationwide Arena.
At the Blue Jackets intermission, a hot dog, nachos – and a word with GM Don Waddell.
The Blue Jackets boss walks the halls between periods, meeting fans and talking hockey.– Aaron Portzline
Waddell, 66, was hired to lead the Blue Jackets in May, and it’s already clear he intends to run the organization differently than his predecessors. Doug MacLean, Scott Howson and Jarmo Kekäläinen were always willing to stop and chat with fans who recognized them.
But Waddell goes further.
Rather than staying in his press box during the first and second intermissions of Blue Jackets home games, Waddell walks the main and upper concourses, as well as the suites and clubhouses, meeting fans and stopping to chat with them if they wish.
“What else can I do between play periods?” Waddell told The Athletic jokingly.
Imagine two seconds if Kent Hughes decided to do the same! He’d probably need four bodyguards so he could have room to breathe.
