Former Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards has been hired as an assistant for the Tampa Bay Lightning, the club announced Tuesday.
Richards coached Columbus for five seasons, leading the franchise to its first-ever playoff wins in 2014 and finishing as the team's all-time leader in wins.
He was fired this season after Columbus started the campaign with seven consecutive losses, but is happy to get a shot with Tampa Bay.
"They play fast, they play an aggressive style. And I love that," Richards said, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.
The hiring comes a day after former assistant Steve Thomas was released, as the Lightning decided not to renew his contract.
Richards was also the head coach of the Minnesota Wild from 2009-11, and owns a career record of 204-176-37.
