Columbus Blue Jackets Extend Coach John Tortorella for Two Years
Today the Columbus Blue Jackets have extended the contract of the winningest coach in franchise history.
The front office for the Columbus Blue Jackets has, as they said they would, come to terms with John Tortorella ahead of training camp. The head coach, whose contract was set to expire at the end of this season, has agreed to a two year extension ensuring he will stay in the Arch City through 2021.
Just six days ago the organization came to terms with President of Hockey Operations John Davidson as well as General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen and Associate General Manager Bill Zito. Their contract extensions were the first steps toward locking up Tortorella.
Two more years on the contract will run the head coach’s time in Columbus to six years if he stays for the full term. Since being hired in October of 2015, Torts has led this team to their best finish in franchise history and established a new, higher standard in Columbus.
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Although the team has yet to make it past the first round of the playoffs under Tortorella, the level of regular season success is unprecedented. And the weight of not getting past the first round can’t go fully on Torts. He has deployed the talent availed to him properly, handled Sergei Bobrovsky‘s workload well, and still continues to resonate with the players.
Last year Torts became the NHL leader in wins by a U.S. born head coach. He also is one of only 24 coaches to reach 500 wins in his NHL career.
And let’s not forget, this man has won a Stanley Cup. He is the right coach for this team and two more years after this a perfect length for both the organization, and the coach.
Tort’s contract extension comes just one day ahead of opening day of training camp for the squad on September 13th. Jarmo and Tortorella will hold a press conference today at 12:30pm. Check back in to UnionandBlue.com or follow us on twitter for more following the press conference with the newly extended head coach.