Blue Jackets name Laurence Gilman vice president of hockey operations

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Tuesday they have hired longtime NHL executive Laurence Gilman as vice president of hockey operations.

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Welcome to Columbus! 💥 We've named veteran NHL executive Laurence Gilman Vice President of Hockey Operations! CBJ x @OHHeartofitAll

4:01 PM · Jan 6, 2026

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“I have known Laurence for many years, and I am very excited to welcome him to the Columbus Blue Jackets,” said general manager Don Waddell. “He is extremely knowledgeable about all facets of team and league operations, and his experience and personality will be a great addition to our hockey operations staff.”

Gilman first worked in the NHL with the former iteration of the Winnipeg Jets in 1994, and remained with the franchise when they relocated to Arizona in 1996. He served as director of hockey operations between 1998 and 2001, vice president of hockey operations and assistant GM from 2001 to 2005, then senior vice president of hockey operations and assistant GM from 2005 to 2007.

He then spent seven seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, serving as vice president of hockey operations and assistant GM from 2008 to 2015. During Gilman’s time with the Canucks, the team won five-straight Pacific Division titles from 2008-09 to 2012-13, including two Presidents’ Trophies and a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2011.

“I’m very excited to join the Blue Jackets and want to thank Don for the opportunity,” said Gilman. “Columbus is a terrific market with great fans, and I look forward to working with everyone there and doing everything I can to help this team have success on the ice.”

Between 2018 and 2022, he was an assistant GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs, then served as senior vice president of hockey operations for their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, from 2022 to 2024.

The Blue Jackets are 18-16-7 with 43 points through 41 games, last in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference. However, they’re just six points back of a wild-card spot.