Signing Hitchcock to an extension is a smart move

From Rob Oller of the Columbus Dispatch:

This is the guy the Jackets are pinning their hopes on? Yes, and it’s hard to argue against them. Ken Hitchcock, who signed a threeyear extension yesterday to coach the Blue Jackets through the 2011-12 season, is more important to the team than any recent free-agent signing or draft pick. Taking it a step further, Hitch is the single most critical piece the Jackets have in place. Some franchises fit their philosophy to a player. The Blue Jackets are focusing everything on their coach, a decision that general manager Scott Howson has made perfectly clear.

Read the entire article here.

I agree with what Oller is saying. Hitchcock brings all the qualities to the Blue Jackets that the organization was lacking for so many years. His coaching ability and work ethic should eventually lead this team into the playoffs.