Chris MacFarland, a long-time member of the Blue Jackets hockey operations staff, is leaving the organization after 16 years of service, Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen announced today.

“Chris MacFarland has been an important member of this organization for many years and his contributions to our hockey club have been significant,” said Kekalainen.  “He has been presented with an exciting opportunity outside our organization and while we are sorry to see him leave, we thank Chris for his years of service, hard work and commitment to the Blue Jackets and wish him and his family all the best in the future.”

MacFarland originally joined the Blue Jackets in 1999 and served as the club’s manager of hockey operations from 2001-07.  He was promoted to assistant to the general manager in July 2007 and a year later was named the club’s assistant general manager.