Scott Howson
The lawyer-turned-executive who led Columbus to its first playoff berth and later governed the entire AHL.
Donald Scott Howson is a Canadian ice hockey executive born April 9, 1960, who served as the General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Before reaching the NHL level in this role, he spent years in the minor leagues and the American Hockey League (AHL), eventually earning his law degree from York University. On June 15, 2007, he was named GM of the Blue Jackets, guiding the franchise to its first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance in 2009. His tenure ended on February 12, 2013, after which he returned to Edmonton before taking the helm as president and CEO of the AHL in July 2020.
- 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's path to the top began on the ice, where he played two seasons with the Kingston Canadians before moving to the minor leagues. He posted 32 goals and 73 points in the 1980–81 season with the Toledo Goaldiggers, though he did not win the Garry F. Longman Memorial Trophy. His NHL playing time was brief; he played only one NHL game for the Edmonton Oilers, spending most of his professional career in the IHL and AHL with various teams. In his only game against the Detroit Red Wings on January 22, 1985, Howson recorded no points. After retiring in 1986, he earned a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School before joining the Edmonton Oilers organization in 1994 as GM of their AHL affiliates.
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
The Scott Howson Era at Columbus is defined by the franchise's first playoff breakthrough. Appointed GM in mid-2007, Howson focused on developing a competitive roster that had previously struggled to make noise in the league. His management style prioritized long-term stability and player development within the minor leagues before transitioning to the NHL. Under his leadership, the Blue Jackets achieved their historic first playoff appearance in 2009. This period marked a turning point for the organization, proving they could compete at the highest level, even though his tenure concluded in early 2013.
Did You Know?
- Howson recorded no points in his only NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings on January 22, 1985.
- He recorded 32 goals and 73 points in the 1980–81 IHL season, but did not win the Garry F. Longman Memorial Trophy.
- Before his NHL executive career, Howson practiced law after graduating from York's Osgoode Hall Law School.
- He was the 11th person to serve as president and CEO of the American Hockey League when he took over in July 2020.
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.