David Clarkson named coach of Columbus-area high school team

David Clarkson is doing what he can to remain involved in the game he likely won't resume playing.

The veteran winger has been sidelined for over a year by a chronic back injury. Now he's been named the boys' hockey coach at Upper Arlington High School, located in a Columbus suburb, according to Aaron Portzline of The Dispatch.

Clarkson remains under contract with the Blue Jackets through the end of the 2019-20 campaign at a cap hit of $5.25 million, but he's been placed on long-term injured reserve and hasn't skated with the team this season. He's been seeing a back specialist in New York, Portzline adds, but his chances of resuming his career don't appear high.

Clarkson served as a volunteer assistant for the high school squad this past season. His hiring as head coach still requires approval by the Upper Arlington school board.