(Calgary) The Calgary Flames have hired Brad Larsen, who will be one of head coach Ryan Huska’s assistants, the team announced Tuesday.
Larsen spent nine seasons in the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, including two as head coach, from 2021 to 2023. He posted a record of 62-86-16, being unable to lead the club to the playoffs. He was fired after the 2022-2023 season.
For most of his time with the Blue Jackets, Larsen acted as an assistant to John Tortorella, whom he replaced on May 9, 2021.
Larsen began his coaching career in the American League with the Springfield Falcons, earning a promotion after leading the Blue Jackets’ farm club to the Calder Cup playoffs in two consecutive campaigns.
As a player, the 46-year-old from British Columbia totaled 134 points in 294 games in the National League with the Colorado Avalanche and Atlanta Thrashers.
“Brad is a great addition to our coaching group, adding valuable recent experience as an NHL head coach,” Flames general manager Craig Conroy said in a statement.
“He is a good communicator with a tremendous work ethic having worked in all situations as a coach during his career. »