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Mike Priest’s Retirement Gives Blue Jackets A Front Office Reset — And Gives McConnell II A Chance To Leave A Mark

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ front office got an unexpected shakeup Wednesday, and it might’ve come at just the right time.

By Ed Francis · 1st Ohio Battery

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 10:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Mike Priest will retire as Columbus Blue Jackets team president at the end of September.
Priest will continue serving the organization in an advisory capacity through the end of 2026.
John H. McConnell II will assume Priest's duties for the immediate future.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that longtime team president and alternate governor Mike Priest will retire at the end of September. Priest, who has served in the leadership role since 2007, will remain with the organization in an advisory capacity through the end of 2026.

John H. McConnell II will fill in for Priest for the immediate future. McConnell II, an alternate governor since late 2024, is the son of majority owner John P. McConnell and grandson of franchise founder John H. McConnell.

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