The Calgary Flames have filled their coaching vacancy.
After the departure of Marc Savard just a short time ago, the team announced that they have hired Brad Larsen as an assistant coach to join Ryan Huska’s staff.
Coaching Profile
Larsen, who played nearly 300 games in the NHL, joins the Flames organization after a long tenure with the Columbus Blue Jackets organization. He started his coaching career with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL working for two seasons as an assistant coach before becoming their head coach for two additional seasons.
A playoff appearance and division title led Larsen to getting promoted to the NHL with the Blue Jackets in 2014-15. He worked as an assistant with the team from that season until the 2021-22 season when he was promoted to head coach of the franchise. He holds a combined record of 62-86-16 over those two seasons, finishing outside of the playoffs both years.
He would hold the head coaching position for two full seasons before being relieved of his duties last summer in favor of hiring Mike Babcock, which of course didn’t end well for anyone.
The Flames opted for an extensive history of assistant coaching experience, with just a sprinkle of head coaching skills, to fill out their coaching staff. A fresh start with a new organization may just be the best move for him.
Odds are he will fill the void left by Savard by running the power play
He joins the likes of Dan Lambert and Cail MacLean to round out the assistant coaches under Huska, in addition to goalie coach Jason LaBarbera, video coach Jamie Pringle, and video coordinator Andrew Doty.
