The Blue Jackets have signed Head Coach Todd Richards to a two-year contract extension through the 2016-17 NHL season, club GM Jarmo Kekalainen announced today.
 
Richards, 47, has led Columbus to an 85-70-16 record in 171 games, including a franchise-best mark of 43-32-7 in 2013-14. The Jackets qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in club history this past season and posted the first playoff wins in club history in a six-game Eastern Conference Quarterfinals series vs. the Penguins.
 
“Todd has done an outstanding job for the Columbus Blue Jackets and we’re pleased that he will continue to lead our team,” said Kekalainen.  “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.”