The first off-season change for the Jackets has come from the Coaching Staff as long-time Assistant Coach Hartsburg has informed the club he will be stepping down. He cited wanting to spend for time with his family as the main reasoning for his decision.
#CBJ associate coach Craig Hartsburg is stepping down, retiring from coaching after 27 years.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) April 13, 2016
Hartsburg has been a Coach with the Jackets for the last four seasons. Prior to that he has been an assistant coach with the Calgary Flames (2011-12), Philadelphia Flyers (1990-94, 2002-04), and Minnesota North Stars (1989-90). He has also been a Head Coach with the Chicago Blackhawks (1995-98) and Anaheim Mighty Ducks (1998-01). He stepped in when John Tortorella was injured and coached three games this season, leading the Jackets to a 2-0-1 record. He's also coached in the CHL standing behind the bench in both Sault Ste. Marie (2004-2008) and Everett (2009-11).
While coaching Sault Ste. Marie, Hartsburg was able to coach Team Canada at the World Juniors. He was an assistant coach on the team in 2006, and served as head coach for the 2007 and 2008 Tournaments. He won gold all three times. That experience behind the bench will certainly be missed.
Hartsburg is not leaving the team entirely. He will remain on board as a scout for the club.
Going forward this shouldn’t drastically affect the team. Torts has said yesterday he was going to keep all the coaches, though Hartsburg decision was not known at the time. This will allow Torts to bring in one of his guys, whoever that may be.
You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot