Longtime NHL coach Hartsburg retires

Columbus Blue Jackets associate coach Craig Hartsburg, who has been coaching in the NHL since 1989, retired Wednesday but will remain with the team in an unspecified role.
"I've been very fortunate to spend the past 30-plus years in the game as a player or coach and have enjoyed every minute of it, but my priority now is to spend more time with my wife, children and grandchildren," Hartsburg said. "I have really enjoyed my time in Columbus, working with both John Tortorella and Todd Richards, and appreciate the opportunity to continue to be part of the organization in a role that will also allow me to devote more time to my family."

Hartsburg, 56, was Blue Jackets associate coach since June 2012. His first NHL coaching job was as an assistant with the Minnesota North Stars in 1989-90.
"Craig Hartsburg has been a great asset to our coaching staff over the past four seasons and we are very grateful for all of his contributions to our club," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "While we are disappointed that he will not be a part of our coaching staff next season, we understand his desire to spend more time with his family and are happy that he will continue to contribute to our hockey operations efforts moving forward."
Hartsburg was coach of the Ottawa Senators (2008-09), Anaheim Ducks (1998-01) and Chicago Blackhawks (1995-98). He was an assistant with the North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers (1990-94, 2002-04) and Calgary Flames (2011-12).
Hartsburg coached in the Western Hockey League and was named Western Conference Coach of the Year in 2010. He was on the coaching staff for Canada at the World Junior Championships that won three straight gold medals (2006-08).
Hartsburg was the sixth pick in the 1979 NHL Draft by the North Stars. The defenseman had 98 goals and 315 assists in 570 games in 10 seasons.