COLUMBUS, OHIO – Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson announced this evening that Scott Howson has been relieved of his duties as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the National Hockey League club.

“Scott Howson is a caring man who gave everything he had to the Columbus Blue Jackets over the past six years,” said Davidson. “This was a difficult decision but one that I thought was in the best interest of moving our hockey club forward. I have enjoyed working with Scott and want to thank him for his service.”

Howson was named the second general manager in Columbus Blue Jackets history on June 15, 2007. During his tenure with the club, the Blue Jackets compiled a 173-190-59 record and made their lone appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after a franchise-best 41-31-10 mark in 2008-09.

The Blue Jackets return to action Friday when they visit the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings. Game time from STAPLES Center is 10:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FOX Sports Ohio HD begins with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 10 p.m. The game will also be broadcast live on the Columbus Blue Jackets Radio Network, including flagship station WBNS-FM 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, and online at BlueJackets.com.

Single game tickets for Blue Jackets home games starting at $26 are on sale now at the Big Lots Box Office at Nationwide Arena, The OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks and all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers. Fans can also purchase tickets by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at BlueJackets.com, the official club web site, and ticketmaster.com. For information about full and partial season tickets and group ticket opportunities, call (800) NHL-COLS or visit BlueJackets.com.