An offseason stalemate has officially ended.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and John Tortorella have come to an agreement on a one-year extension of his contract that keeps him locked in through the 2018-19 season.
Tortorella just led the Blue Jackets to their best season in franchise history (50-24-8, 108 points -- franchise best marks in both wins and points.
Here is what Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in the team's press release:
"John Tortorella and his coaching staff have done a terrific job since his arrival nearly two years ago," said Kekalainen. "He is one of the top coaches in our game and we are excited about what lies ahead for our club with John as our head coach."
Tortorella in addition to his accomplishments with the Blue Jackets is the winningest U.S.-born coach ever and is also a Stanley Cup winning coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"I'm very appreciative of the opportunity I have to coach this team and be part of a wonderful community that has been very welcoming to my family, so I thank the McConnell family, Mike Priest, John Davidson, Jarmo Kekalainen, our staff and the entire organization," said Tortorella via a press release. "I'm proud of the steps we've taken as a team and I look forward to continuing to work with a very good group of coaches and players."
