After two seasons at the helm, the Blue Jackets fired head coach Brad Larsen on Saturday morning. Larsen posted a record of 62-86-16, including a 25-49-8 mark in 2022-23 that was the second worst mark in the league with his time in Columbus.
The organization also revealed that goalkeeping coach Mane Legas will not be returning.
Columbus lost 5-2 to the Buffalo Sabers Friday night at Nationwide Arena to end their season, and had the second-best odds (13.5%) for a best overall pick. On May 8, the NHL draft lottery will take place.
“This season has been very disappointing and we all bear responsibility for that,” said Jarmo Kikalainen, general manager of the Blue Jackets. “These decisions were difficult and not made easily given the respect we have for both Brad and Manny as coaches and people. Brad has been a part of our organization for over a decade, and we are incredibly grateful for his hard work and many contributions — on and off the ice — during that time. We can only wish Best for Brad and his family in the future.”
Larsen served as an assistant coach for the Blue Jackets for seven seasons (2014-15-2020-2021) before taking over as the organization’s eighth head coach for the 2021-2022 campaign.
The Jackets started 2021-22 well, going 12-8-0 through November. The team was 31-27-3 on March 16, after a three-game losing streak in the middle of the month. But they lost steam, and their season ended 6-11-5.
Expectations for the Blue Jackets increased in the 2022-2023 season with the signing of All-Star forward Johnny Goudreau in the offseason. Zach Werenski, the martial arts superstar, lost a year after just 13 fights due to a gut tear. Unfortunately, the squad ran into an injury bug early in the season. The Blue Jackets finished the season losing a total of 550 men’s games, leading the NHL, while 47 different players wore the team’s jersey.
Prior to moving to Columbus, Larsen spent two seasons (2010-11 and 2011-12) as an assistant coach for the Springfield Falcons before taking over as head coach for two additional seasons (2012-13 and 2013-2014).
Legace is spending his 10th season in the Blue Jackets organization this year. He had previously spent the past five years in a similar capacity with the club’s affiliates, the Cleveland Monsters and Springfield Falcons.