Brad Larsen, then coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, attends a press conference after the 6-2 loss against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, January 12, 2023. /CFP
The National Hockey League's (NHL) Columbus Blue Jackets have fired their coach Brad Larsen after two poor-performing seasons, the team announced on Saturday.
"This season has been extremely disappointing and the responsibility for that lies with all of us," Blue Jackets Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. "These decisions were difficult and not made lightly given our respect for both Brad and Manny [Legace, who will also leave the franchise] as coaches and people. Brad has been part of our organization for more than a decade, and we are extremely thankful for his hard work and many contributions – both on and off the ice – during that time. We wish nothing but the best for Brad and his family in the future."
The team were 62-86-16 under Larsen, who was promoted from assistant to the coach position after the 2020-21 campaign. Their record grew worse this season (25-48-9) compared with the 37-38-7 of last season, partly because of injuries they suffered. Not only are they at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference, the Blue Jackets also have the second-worst record among all 32 teams. Suffering 48 regulation losses also sets a new franchise record.
Columbus Blue Jackets players raise their sticks and salute the fans after the 5-2 loss against the Buffalo Sabres at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, April 14, 2023. /CFP
"This is a privilege to do this job," Larsen said after the 5-2 loss against the Buffalo Sabres in their final regular season game on Friday. "It is. And I love it, even in a challenging year like it was. But there are a lot of things to sort through and think through in a year like this."
The Blue Jackets also said that they won't renew the contract of their goaltending coach Manny Legace.
It was the third straight season that the Blue Jackets missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If there is any positive news to take from their disappointing record this season, it is that they have the second-best chance (13.5 percent) to secure the first-overall pick for the NHL Draft in late June.