Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen today announced the addition of Blake Geoffrion and Bob Halkidis to the club’s pro scouting department, at the same time adding Marshall Davidson as an amateur scout.
The announcement comes one day after Geoffrion, the Nashville Predators first pick (56th overall) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, formally retired from the NHL. Geoffrion, 25, suffered a depressed skull fracture while with the Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) in November 2012.
The injury led to seizures, emergency surgery and the insertion of a metal plate, ending his playing career. Less than one year later, Geoffrion's continuing along a different career path while staying in the NHL. Kekalainen said from Europe that the club has “no concerns” about any lingering effects from the injury.
Between 2010-2012, Geoffrion scored eight goals and handed out five assists in 55 games with Nashville and Montreal. While playing in the AHL for Milwaukee and Hamilton, he played in 84 games and posted a line of 21-43-64. Prior to turning pro, he played for four seasons at the University of Wisconsin, winning the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top collegiate player in 2010.
Halkidis comes to Columbus as a former journeyman who kept active by stepping into the teaching ranks. According to the club, he will be a part-time scout for the Blue Jackets.
The hiring of Davidson is a continuation of the relationship that he and Kekalainen had while they were both with the St. Louis Blues.
“Obviously the good experience I had with him is the main reason for his hiring,” Kekalainen said.
The club said that he will continue as an amateur scout, primarily scouting the Western Hockey League, similar to the position he held in St. Louis.
