Blue Jackets GM Won't Accept a Losing Culture in Columbus

The Columbus Blue Jackets got used to losing and new general manager Don Waddell wants to change that.

After dealing away disgruntled forward Patrik Laine, Waddell recently caught up with the media and made it clear, losing or accepting a losing season isn't going to be acceptable anymore. Waddell wants to change the culture and the vision of the organization and knows it's a long road ahead but is confident he'll be able to lead the way.

"The one thing is, I'm not saying it was everybody, but losing was acceptable (here) and losing is not acceptable," he said, according to NHL.com's Dave McCarthy. "We have a ways to go building this, but our goal every year should be to win the Stanley Cup, not just to win some games. It's a mindset."

"(They) fell out of the race pretty quick (and) they just kind of played out the season," he said. "And we have to change that."

"It's all about starting with accountability, a structure in place, and culture will get there," Waddell explained. "Back in Carolina, when I took over and I hired Rod Brind'Amour, Rod was great about executing a plan. And I believe Dean Evason has the same mold.

"It has to be about hockey. ... So the No. 1 priority is to prepare ourselves every night. It doesn't mean you are going to win every night, but prepare yourself so you have a chance to win."

Along with trading Laine and acquiring defenseman Jordan Harris, the Blue Jackets GM has also signed free-agent forwards Sean Monahan and defenseman Jack Johnson.