Flames hire former Blue Jackets coach Larsen as assistant

The Calgary Flames hired former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen as an assistant, the team announced Tuesday.

Larsen, 46, was the Blue Jackets' bench boss for two seasons. He was fired by Columbus in April 2023 and didn't coach last year.

"Brad is a great addition to our coaching staff, adding valuable recent experience as an NHL head coach, as well as a longtime player," general manager Craig Conroy said in a statement. "He's a good communicator with a tremendous work ethic and provides a wealth of knowledge, having worked in every situation as a coach over the course of his career."

Columbus went 62-86-16 with Larsen as head coach. He was an assistant for seven seasons with the Blue Jackets beforehand.

"I'm super excited to be joining the Flames organization and appreciative of the opportunity to work alongside Ryan Huska," Larsen said. "I've had so much respect for this organization for a long time, its history, and reputation around the league."

Assistant coach Marc Savard mutually parted ways with the Flames in May after one season with the team.

Larsen's hiring completes Huska's staff for the 2024-25 campaign. Assistants Dan Lambert and Cail MacLean return from last season.