The Blue Jackets' power play is 24th in the NHL at 15.6 percent and their penalty kill is 22nd at 77.6 percent.
"His main focus will be the power play. It may be time for a different voice," coach John Tortorella said. "The power play is his primary job but we're going to use his knowledge and the strengths that he has. He can help our team in general in all aspects. He has a different view, a different look."
Tortorella's staff also includes assistants Brad Larsen, Kenny McCudden and Brad Shaw, and goaltending coach Manny Legace.
MacLean went 114-90-35 in four seasons as coach of the Ottawa Senators (2011-15) and won the Jack Adams Award as the top NHL coach in 2013. MacLean also won the Stanley Cup as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008.
The 61-year-old's last NHL coaching job was as an assistant with the Anaheim Ducks from 2015-17. He also has been a regular contributor to
The Coaches Room
on NHL.com.
"I've always said that we look at every opportunity to make our team better and adding a veteran coach with a winning pedigree like Paul MacLean to a staff that has led us to three straight appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs does just that," general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said.
MacLean played 11 seasons in the NHL as a forward with the St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets and Red Wings, with 673 points (324 goals, 349 assists) in 719 games.
"He's been around the game a long time and I think he can help us in areas all over the team," forward Nick Foligno said. "Obviously, we're a .500 team so we have to find ways to get better.
He will join the Blue Jackets as soon as immigration procedures are complete. Columbus hosts the Red Wings at Nationwide Arena on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; FS-O, FS-D, NHL.TV).
Independent correspondent Craig Merz contributed to this report
