In a surprising move, the Columbus Blue Jackets have fired their general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen, after his 11-season tenure with the team. President of hockey operations, John Davidson, announced that the team will be searching for a replacement from outside the organization. While it's all speculation at this point, several potential candidates have emerged as frontrunners for the position.

One name that has generated considerable buzz is Jeff Gorton, currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Montreal Canadiens. Gorton has a history with Davidson, having previously worked as the General Manager for the New York Rangers under his leadership for two years. However, it remains uncertain whether Gorton would consider the Blue Jackets' offer, as a move from an executive position to a general manager role could be viewed as a step down.

Another strong contender is Chris MacFarland, the current General Manager of the Colorado Avalanche. MacFarland has a deep connection with the Blue Jackets, as he spent 14 seasons with the organization in various roles, including Director of Hockey Operations and Assistant General Manager. To entice MacFarland to return to Columbus, the Blue Jackets would likely need to offer him the top decision-making authority.

Mathieu Darche, currently serving as the Assistant General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning, also garners attention as a potential candidate. Darche's history with the Blue Jackets dates back to their inaugural season in 2000-2001 when he played nine games for the team. His familiarity with Columbus could make him a suitable choice for the GM role.

Jamie Pushor, another former Blue Jacket, has emerged as a candidate due to his current position as the Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Pushor spent four seasons in Columbus as a player and later joined the Lightning's scouting and management staff. His experience and knowledge of the organization could make him an attractive option for the Blue Jackets.

Lastly, Gregory Campbell, currently serving as the Assistant General Manager for the Florida Panthers, has ties to the Blue Jackets as well. Campbell played for the Blue Jackets during the 2015-2016 season before transitioning into coaching and management roles. He has since worked as an assistant development coach for the Blue Jackets and is currently the General Manager of the Panthers' AHL affiliate.

While these potential candidates all have connections to the Blue Jackets organization, it remains to be seen who will ultimately assume the role of general manager. The team's decision to look outside the organization indicates their desire for fresh perspectives and a change in direction. Only time will tell who will take the helm and lead the Blue Jackets into the future.