Columbus Blue Jackets hire John Tortorella as head coach

The Columbus Blue Jackets started the 2015-2016 NHL season with seven straight losses, a bad start that cost head coach Todd Richards his job. According to reports, the Blue Jackets have found their next head coach in John Tortorella, who will take over the head coaching job immediately.

The Blue Jackets are the only NHL team without a win at this point of the regular season. Richards had one season left in his contract in Columbus.

According to ESPN, Columbus will send a future pick to the Vancouver Canucks as compensation. The Canucks hired Tortorella as head coach in 2013 but was let go after just a single season. NHL.com also confirmed the Blue Jackets’ acquisition of Tortorella, who will sign a three-year deal in Columbus.

"We had some bad performances and kept losing. We came to a decision after [the game Tuesday], this can't go any longer without making a change,” Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in the league’s official website. "John Tortorella is an experienced National Hockey League coach with a proven track record of success. He is a Stanley Cup winner, and we believe the right person to lead our team at this time."

For his part Tortorella said that he’s excited to join the young Blue Jackets squad, which is the third youngest team in the league, and develop them “to be pros.”

The 57-year-old Tortorella has coached the Canucks (2013-2014), New York Rangers (2009 to 2013) and Tampa Bay Lightning (2001 to 2008), which he led to the Stanley Cup title in 2004.

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