The Calgary Flames have completed Ryan Huska’s coaching staff for the 2024-25 season.
The team announced Tuesday that it hired Brad Larsen as an assistant coach. Larsen was last on an NHL bench as the Columbus Blue Jackets’ head coach in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The 46-year-old was an assistant in Columbus for seven seasons before becoming head coach in June 2021.
“Brad is a great addition to our coaching staff, adding valuable recent experience as an NHL head coach as well as a long-time player,” said Flames general manager Craig Conroy in a statement released by the team. “He is a good communicator with a tremendous work ethic and provides a wealth of knowledge having worked in every situation as a coach over the course of his career. We look forward to Brad’s contributions to our team’s success.”
Under Larsen, the Blue Jackets went 62-86-16 and missed the playoffs in both years with him at the helm.
A native of Nakusp, B.C., Larsen played eight years in the NHL, spending time with the Colorado Avalanche and Atlanta Thrashers. In 284 career games, he registered 19 goals, 48 points and 134 penalty minutes.
“I’m super excited to be joining the Flames organization and appreciative of the opportunity to work alongside Ryan Huska and his staff,” Larsen said in the Flames’ release. “I’ve had so much respect for this organization for a long time, its history and solid reputation around the league. As well, I have a great affinity for the city and its beautiful setting near the Rocky Mountains. I can’t wait to get started.”
Before getting his shot as an NHL coach with the Blue Jackets, Larsen served as both an assistant and head coach with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons, helping guide them to the Calder Cup playoffs twice.
Larsen will join Huska’s coaching staff, which features assistant coaches Dan Lambert and Cail MacLean, goalie coach Jason LaBarbera, video coach Jamie Pringle and video coordinator Andrew Doty.