Patrick McDermott/NHLI via Getty Images(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Columbus Blue Jackets head coach John Tortorella left the team before its game on Thursday against the Nashville Predators to deal with a family emergency. He will also be unable to coach in Los Angeles this weekend at the NHL’s All-Star Game.
“Regrettably, there is a personal matter that requires my immediate attention that will force me to leave the team temporarily and miss the All-Star Game in Los Angeles,” Tortorella said in a statement. “This decision was not made lightly as representing the Columbus Blue Jackets is something I am very proud of, but it is the right decision for my family and I. I appreciate the support of our organization and the National Hockey League and my hope is to be back with the team next week.”
Assistant coaches Brad Larsen and Brad Shaw took over for Tortorella in the Blue Jackets’ game against the Predators, but no replacement has been named for the All-Star game yet.
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