Canucks Talk Don Waddell on Columbus' Success + Kelly Hrudey Talks NHL Storylines
Mar 20, 2026
Don Waddell, Columbus Blue Jackets GM known for turnaround-building and cap strategy, and Kelly Hrudey, former NHL goalie and Hockey Night in Canada analyst, join to discuss NHL storylines. They cover Columbus' midseason coaching hire and player development. They also debate rebuild models, Calgary and Edmonton outlooks, special teams, and how rising cap and drafting shape futures.
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Garland Shifted From Passer To Net-Driving Scorer
- After trading for Conor Garland from Vancouver, Waddell noted Garland immediately drove to the net and scored five goals in seven games despite fewer assists.
- Waddell highlighted a game where Garland set up Kent Johnson and hit the crossbar multiple times, illustrating Garland's direct attacking change.
Earn Ice Time But Build Confidence With Details
- Waddell insists young players must earn minutes but also need confidence-building context and specific coaching on zone positioning.
- He gave Kent Johnson power-play time and deeper zone work to unlock scoring, not just raw ice-time boosts.
Cap Growth Shifts Focus From Cap Space To Term And Budget
- Waddell expects rising salary caps to shift team strategies from summer roster dumps to longer-term locked contracts and fewer high-profile UFA trades.
- He predicts term and budget planning will matter more than single-year cap manipulations, so teams will lock players early.