Report: Jackets looking at Ferguson

Could John Ferguson Jr. be the next general manager in Columbus?

The former Toronto Maple Leafs GM is being mentioned as a possible successor for Scott Howson, according to a report from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.

Howson, who is still under contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, is expected to be let go at the end of the season. The Blue Jackets already fired head coach Scott Arniel last week.

Ferguson, who was the Maple Leafs' general manager from 2003-2008, struggled during his tenure in Toronto. His teams did not make a playoff appearance after the lockout in 2005.

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Some of his notable moves included signing Jason Blake, Pavel Kubina to long-term contracts and separate trades for goalies Andrew Raycroft and Vesa Toskala. Ferguson gave out several questionable contracts, including no-trade clauses and dealt away top goalie prospect Tuukka Rask in the deal for Raycroft.

Ferugson currently works as a scout in the San Jose Sharks organization.