The Columbus Blue Jackets are pleased to announce that they have officially hired Chris Mangone as President of hockey operations and GM.  Mangone’s first hire was to keep Rick Nash who previously was the a special assistant the previous ownership group.  Nash will be both the VP and assistant GM of the club.  Team owner Bow Wow has promised to shake things up, and is hoping that bringing in Mangone will be the start of big changes in Columbus.  Mangone has been a long time assistant Gm, Vice President, and former head coach of various teams in the NHL.  He has worked behind the seen for years, and is widely know as one of the best hockey minds not to be a GM in the league.

In Mangones press conference, he has stated that “the time is right for me to take a step forward in my career, and it is a honor to become the Gm of the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Bow Wow and Fieri approached me 3 weeks ago, and it was a no brainer.  This new ownership group is from the area and have and have a strong desire to win.  They have provided me with the resources and given me full approval to make all hockey decisions.   This is a dream come true for me, and I am looking forward to building a winner as soon as possible”.

Mangone has stated that when being approached by the team for the position, they expressed that they would very much like the new President to build his own management and coaching group.  Mangone agreed with this, and his first decision was to keep Rick Nash within the organization.  “Mangone stated that “Rick Nash has been with the organization for a very long time.  He is a very connected in the hockey universe, and knows this market.  I could not think of a better man to be my right hand man.    Mangone said he is very close to pulling the trigger on several trades, but is focusing his time on hiring a head coach.  It is believed he is done the interview process and has offered the job to the candidate he is interested in and is waiting of his decision.