But as he finished his career with one season in Colorado, the 13-year NHL veteran realized the capital city had just as much become home off the ice as well.
"It just came along more toward the end of my career," Tyutin said on Where Are They Now presented by Huntington Bank, which features interviews with notable CBJ players in the first 20 years of play. "I spent most of my career in this town and just over time we met so many people.
"I went and played in Colorado last year. That's I think when we actually got that feeling, 'Yeah, we have to come back to Columbus whenever I am going to be done playing hockey.' I think that's when we decided it does actually feel like home here with all the great people we met along the way."
Not only is Tyutin one of members of the team alumni association to stay in town, he's stayed active in the hockey community. He has served as a pro scout with the Blue Jackets previously, and this past year, he began as a head coach in the AAA Blue Jackets junior organization, coaching the 2007 birth year team.
"Believe it or not, people have been asking me this question before, 'Do you think you'll be a coach some time?'" Tyutin said. "I was always saying, 'Hell no, I would never be a coach.' …
"It just felt good right away to be around the kids. I actually tried to pass along some knowledge I had about hockey and stuff, and I really loved it and I got offered if I want to do it as a head coach and I didn't think twice."
Watch the whole interview above to get Tyutin's thoughts about helping grow the sport in Columbus, his fellow central Ohio CBJ alumni, his favorite memories with the team, his shootout winner that helped clinch a 2009 playoff spot, what it was like transition from Russia to North America, and much more. And he on the lookout for a visit during the interview from a special four-legged guest.
