COLUMBUS (AP) — John Tortorella is out as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets after six seasons.
General manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced what he called a “mutual decision” between the team and the winningest coach in franchise history a day after the Blue Jackets finished last in the Central Division.
The 62-year-old Tortorella was in the final season of his contract.
The #CBJ and John Tortorella have mutually agreed to part ways. https://t.co/UvW5sDo407
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) May 9, 2021
The Blue Jackets went 227-166-54 under Tortorella, including a team-best 50-24-8 finish in 2016-17.
Tortorella is from Boston and ranks first among U.S.-born coaches in career wins with a 673-541-169 record.
He coached Tampa Bay to a Stanley Cup title in 2004 and previously coached the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.