The Columbus Blue Jackets have fired General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen.
President of Hockey Operations John Davidson made the move Thursday, midway through Kekalainen’s 11th full season on the job.
Davidson, in his announcement, called Kekalainen a friend and said he has done a lot of good during his time with the team.
“While the future of our club is bright, our performance has not been good enough and it is time for a fresh perspective as we move forward,” Davidson said.
Kekalainen, 57, was named the third general manager of the Blue Jackets on Feb. 13, 2013. The club amassed a 410-362-97 record in 869 games during his tenure.
The Blue Jackets also qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoff five times and posted its four winningest seasons during that span.
Davidson and the hockey operations team will assume GM duties for the rest of the season.
The Blue Jackets next play on Saturday, when they take on the San Jose Sharks at 10:30 p.m. at SAP Center in San Jose.
