It is always a special moment when an NHL player or coach returns to his former city for the first time. If they had a long or successful tenure with the club, there is sure to be a video tribute and ovation from the home crowd. Even if their time was short-lived with the franchise, they will likely be met with a warm reception. 

But for the player or coach, it can also be a whirlwind day. Not only will they be asked to speak to the media countless times and catch up with old friends, but they will also be filled with nerves about returning. Most importantly, they want to win the game at hand. Not simply because it is two points on the line, but also for the moral victory over the team that likely gave up on them or let them go. 

For recently hired Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason, the wait for this moment will be very short. The Blue Jackets will open the 2024-25 regular season on the road against the Minnesota Wild, the club that fired Evason just after American Thanksgiving last season. And the normally blunt bench boss was not shying away from questions surrounding this matchup during his introductory press conference on Tuesday. 

“When ex-coaches go in and say, ‘This game means nothing to me.’ That’s such bull,” Evason told reporters. 

Under Evason, Minnesota went 5-10-4 to start the season. Despite leading them to an excellent 103-point season and Stanley Cup Playoff berth one year prior, the leash was not long enough to withstand the slow start. He was let go and replaced by John Hynes on Nov. 28.

“Of course it means something to you, right? They just fired me last year. Of course, it means something,” he added. 

Evason enters his first year behind the bench in Columbus with a 147-77-27 record over five NHL seasons.