The Columbus Blue Jackets have hired Brad Larsen as the team’s new head coach.
Larsen earns the promotion after spending the past seven years as the assistant coach. Just a month ago, John Tortorella stepped down from his position after the team came dead last in the Central Division and missed the post-season.
“Brad understands the standard that has been set here in recent years for how we expect to play on the ice and how we represent our city and fans off the ice,†Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen said.
This will be Larsen’s first NHL head coaching gig, last holding the position back with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons from 2012 to 2014. The Blue Jackets affiliate won two division titles in that span.
Larsen played eight NHL seasons with Colorado and Atlanta, winning the Stanley Cup in 2000-01 with the Avalanche. He also won two gold medals with Canada at the 1996 and 1997 World Junior Championship, serving as captain the second time.
