One day after Rick Bowness ripped into the Columbus Blue Jackets for their performance over the final stretch of the season, star defenceman Zach Werenski backed the 71-year-old to return as head coach on Wednesday.
“I think guys do hate to lose,” Werenski said in response to Bowness’ scathing comments Tuesday night. " I think we need to learn how to win, and I definitely think he can help us with that.”
Bowness put the Blue Jackets on blast after their season ended with a 2-1 loss on home ice to the Washington Capitals. The Blue Jackets were eliminated from postseason contention on Monday as the Philadelphia Flyers locked up the final spot in the Metropolitan Division.
Columbus went 21-11-5 under Bowness, who replaced Dean Evason in January, but limped to a 2-7-1 record in their final 10 games as the playoffs slipped out of reach.
“These guys, they don’t care. Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn’t bother them. How can you go out and play like that? I should have done this a month ago. But this is why we are where we are,” an exasperated Bowness remarked. “This is why we’re out of the playoffs. That kind of effort. You have to hate losing. I don’t care if it’s a meaningless game. I don’t care. Show up and compete.”
#CBJ defenseman Zach Werenski on Rick Bowness' postgame comments last night: "I think guys do hate to lose. I think we need to learn how to win, and I definitely think he can help us with that."
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) April 15, 2026
“I think right now with how the season ended, everyone has to take a good, hard look in the mirror and see where we can be better,” Werenski added Wednesday.
After coming out of retirement to join the Blue Jackets, Bowness only signed for the remained of the season, leaving his future with the club unclear moving forward.
“Like, I don’t know if I’m back [next season], but if I’m back, I’m changing this culture,” Bowness said Tuesday night.
Bowness last coached the Winnipeg Jets for two seasons before retiring in 2024.
