The Blue Jackets have promoted Brad Larsen to fill the head coaching vacancy left after Columbus parted ways with John Tortorella after six seasons at the helm.
The 43-year-old Larsen has been an assistant coach with the Blue Jackets for the past seven seasons. He agreed to a three-year contract through the 2023-24 season.
The 62-year-old Tortorella was in the last year of his contract when he was let go in May. The move wasn’t a surprise after a tumultuous season that saw the Blue Jackets plunge to last place in their division amid the Tortorella’s admitted failure to influence the team culture.
Prior to coaching the Blue Jackets, Larsen spent two seasons as the head coach of the AHL Springfield Falcons, the team's top minor league club. During his time in Springfield, Larsen had a 92-45-15 record and led the team to two division titles.
Larsen also played in the NHL for parts of nine seasons with the Colorado Avalanche and Atlanta Thrashers.