Assistant Coach Kenny McCudden departs Blue Jackets after eight seasons

Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen announced today that Kenny McCudden, who has served on the club's coaching staff since 2015 and had one year remaining on his current contract, has resigned his position to pursue other opportunities.

"Kenny and I had a long conversation about his desire to either sign a contract extension or look at other opportunities that might be available to him. In fairness to our new head coach Mike Babcock, I want to make sure everyone gets to know each other before deciding on extensions so Kenny decided to leave the Blue Jackets to pursue those opportunities," said Kekalainen. "He is a terrific person, and we are very appreciative of everything he has done for our organization. Kenny has worked tirelessly and enthusiastically to help our players improve and we wish he and his wife, Cathy, all the best in the future."

McCudden joined the Blue Jackets in June 2015 as a skills coach after spending 16 seasons as the skating and skills coach for the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves. The Chicago native has also worked with numerous NHL players and prospects and served as the skating and skills coach for the United States Women's National Team from 2011-14.

"It has been a great honor to be part of the Columbus Blue Jackets organization and I want to thank everyone I have worked with - management, coaches, players, support staff - for a wonderful eight years," said McCudden. "This was a difficult decision, but it is the right time for me to move on and take advantage of other opportunities."