About a week after Dan Hinote stepped down as assistant coach of the Blue Jackets due to family matters, it appears that position has been filled.
While there's been no official announcement from the team, Springfield Falcons head coach Brad Larsen is expected to be promoted and fill Hinote's role behind the bench, according to Aaron Portzline.
Via Portzline's Columbus Dispatch article: Brad Larsen, who has coached the Jackets’ minor-league affiliate in Springfield, Mass., for two seasons, is the likely candidate to join Todd Richards’ staff, sources told The Dispatch. The Blue Jackets did not officially interview any outside candidates, the sources said.
Portzline notes the organization speaks highly of Larsen and credits him in helping along the development of Ryan Johansen, Cam Atkinson and co.
"Among the current Blue Jackets players that Larsen is credited with developing are forwards Ryan Johansen, Cam Atkinson and Matt Calvert, and defensemen David Savard and Dalton Prout."
Larsen seems to be a good fit for the team, and has earned a shot in the NHL given his recent body of work effectively coaching the team's AHL affiliate.
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