COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — John Tortorella is out as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets after six seasons. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced what he called a “mutual decision” between the team and the winningest coach in franchise history a day after the Blue Jackets finished last in the Central Division. The 62-year-old Tortorella was in the final season of his contract. The Blue Jackets went 227-166-54 under Tortorella, including a team-best 50-24-8 finish in 2016-17. Tortorella is from Boston and ranks first among U.S.-born coaches in career wins with a 673-541-169 record. He coached Tampa Bay to a Stanley Cup title in 2004. He also previously coached the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks.
