John Tortorella Takes Leave from Blue Jackets: Latest Details and Reaction

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced Thursday head coach John Tortorella will take a leave of absence from the team.

Assistants Brad Larsen and Brad Shaw will share coaching duties until Tortorella returns to the bench.

Tortorella said:

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Regrettably, there is a personal matter that requires my immediate attention that will force me to leave the team temporarily and miss the All-Star Game in Los Angeles. This decision was not made lightly as representing the Columbus Blue Jackets is something I am very proud of, but it is the right decision for my family and I. I appreciate the support of our organization and the National Hockey League and my hope is to be back with the team next week.

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On Friday, Tortorella told Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch he was taking the leave because one of his family's five dogs is currently sick.

"I appreciate so much the number of messages I have received since the announcement," the coach said. "But this absolutely is not an emergency. I want to clear that up. I needed a few days during the All-Star break—not having to go to the All-Star Game—to take care of something very important to my family and my son."

In Tortorella's second season, the Blue Jackets have become one of the best teams in the league. Their 68 points are the second-most in the Eastern Conference behind the Washington Capitals (72 points), and they reeled off 16 straight wins earlier in the year, which was one victory short of the NHL record.

Tortorella was set to be one of four coaches to take part in Sunday's NHL All-Star Game. The league has yet to name his replacement.