Scott Howson
Former Columbus Blue Jackets GM and current AHL president
Donald Scott Howson (born April 9, 1960) is a Canadian ice hockey executive and former player. He was formerly the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).
- Role
- General Manager
- Affiliation
- Columbus Blue Jackets (2007–2013)
- Previous Team
- Edmonton Oilers (Assistant General Manager, 2002–2007)
- Draft Class Highlight
- N/A (Not mentioned in source)
- Status
- Former Executive
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Howson played 18 games in the NHL with the New York Islanders, all during the 1984–85 season. The rest of his playing career, which lasted from 1981 to 1986, was spent in the minor leagues. He later turned to coaching and managing, working for several years in the American Hockey League (AHL) before moving to the NHL. In July 2020, he took over as president and chief executive officer of the AHL.
In Their Own Story
On June 15, 2007, Howson accepted the General Manager role with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He immediately set to work building a team capable of postseason contention. His efforts culminated in 2009 when he guided the franchise to its first-ever Stanley Cup Playoff appearance. However, his time in Columbus came to an abrupt end on February 12, 2013, when he was relieved of his duties. Following this departure, he returned to Edmonton on March 12, 2013, initially as a professional scout, before being named senior vice president of hockey operations just over a month later.
Reader's Guide
Howson guided the AHL through the COVID-19 pandemic, which included a shortened 2020-21 season that was modified due to health and safety protocols. He later oversaw the addition of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the league's 32nd franchise; expanded the Calder Cup Playoff field to 23 teams; and implemented a unified 72-game schedule in the regular season. Howson has also actively advocated for diversity and inclusion, most notably with the addition in 2021 of 10 women to the AHL’s roster of referees and linespeople for the first time.
Did You Know?
- Howson scored his first NHL goal on January 22, 1985, but did not score two goals in that game.
- Howson won the Garry F. Longman Memorial Trophy as IHL rookie of the year after scoring 55 goals and 120 points in 82 games with the Toledo Goaldiggers.
- He holds a bachelor's degree from York University and attended Osgoode Hall Law School but did not complete a law degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Scott Howson?
He is a Canadian hockey executive born in 1960 who served as the General Manager for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2007 to 2013. Before his NHL role, he worked in the minor leagues and earned a law degree from York University.
When did Scott Howson become the GM of the Blue Jackets?
He was officially named General Manager on June 15, 2007, taking over leadership of the franchise's hockey operations. His tenure lasted until February 12, 2013.
What was Scott Howson's biggest achievement in Columbus?
He guided the team to its first-ever Stanley Cup Playoff appearance during the 2009 season. This milestone marked a significant turning point for the franchise under his management.
Where did Scott Howson work before joining Columbus?
Prior to arriving in Ohio, he served as an Assistant General Manager for the Edmonton Oilers from 2002 until 2007. He also spent several years working within the American Hockey League and minor leagues earlier in his career.
What did Scott Howson do after leaving the Blue Jackets?
Following his departure, he returned to Edmonton before eventually becoming the President and CEO of the AHL in July 2020. He currently holds a leadership role governing the entire minor league system.
More in Club History
Elsewhere in the Columbus Blue Jackets universe
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