Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards signs two-year extension

Todd Richards has signed a two-year extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets which will run through the 2016-2017 season after guiding the team to a franchise-record 43 wins.

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Richards, 47, guided the Blue Jackets to only their second postseason appearance in franchise history this season, including the club’s first two postseason victories in their hard-fought six-game series with the Pittsburgh Penguins who were taken nearly to the brink against the upstart Blue Jackets.

“Todd has done an outstanding job for the Columbus Blue Jackets and we’re pleased that he will continue to lead our team,” said Columbus general manager, Jarmo Kekalainen via CBSSports. “We believe he is one of the top young coaches in the NHL because of his knowledge of the game, work ethic and ability to communicate well and bring out the best in our players. He’s played a significant role in our recent success and we look forward to having him continue to be a big part of our franchise moving forward.”

Since being promoted from assistant coach in the middle of the 2011-2012 season, Richards has a 85-70-16 record with the Blue Jackets and his .544 winning percentage is the best in franchise history.

By showing consistent improvement in his time in Columbus, Richards has more than earned the extension he signed today, but there is still plenty of work to do with the club who still is in search of a postseason series victory.

Considering how far Richards has taken the team in the past two seasons, which includes 81 wins, it’s well within reach for the Blue Jackets in the competitive Eastern Conference.

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