Flames add former Blue Jackets head coach to Huska’s staff

The Calgary Flames announced this afternoon that they have hired Brad Larsen as an assistant coach.

The Flames have been searching for an assistant coach since they agreed to mutually part ways with Marc Savard weeks ago.

“Brad is a great addition to our coaching staff, adding valuable recent experience as an NHL head coach as well as a long-time player,” said Flames general manager Craig Conroy. “He is 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. We look forward to Brad’s contributions to our team’s success.”

The 2024-25 season will mark Larsen’s 10th behind an NHL bench, and he seems quite excited to achieve that feat with the Flames.

“I’m super excited to be joining the Flames organization and appreciative of the opportunity to work alongside Ryan Huska and his staff,” said Larsen. “I’ve had so much respect for this organization for a long time, its history and solid reputation around the league. As well, I have a great affinity for the city and its beautiful setting near the Rocky Mountains. I can’t wait to get started.”

Following 294 games as a player in the NHL, the 46-year-old began his coaching career in the AHL before joining the Columbus Blue Jackets as an assistant for the 2014-15 season. He continued in that role for seven years before being named their head coach ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.

Larsen’s tenure as the Blue Jackets head coach didn’t last as long as he would have liked, as he was fired following the 2022-23 season. Over those two years, the Blue Jackets had a 62-86-16 record.

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