Brad Larsen (born June 28, 1977) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He is the current head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Before coaching, he played in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche and the Atlanta Thrashers between 1998 and 2008. He is the former head coach of the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League (AHL). Playing career Larsen was born in Nakusp, British Columbia, but grew up in Vernon, British Columbia. He played junior ice hockey for the Swift Current Broncos where he attracted NHL scouts' attention. Larsen was drafted in round 3, 53rd overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. His rights were traded to the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. He was not signed by the Avalanche by 1997 NHL Entry Draft day and subsequently re-entered the draft and was drafted 87th overall by the Avalanche. Larsen's first four professional years were spent almost entirely with Colorado's AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, before securing a full-time role as a member of the Avalanche in 2001–02. Blighted by persistent Back and Groin injuries in 2002–03, Larsen was unable to establish himself in the NHL. Brad returned in 2003–04 and spent time with both Hershey and Colorado before he was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Thrashers on February 25, 2004. During the 2004 NHL Lockout, Larsen made a return to full health playing in a career-high 75 games with the Thrashers AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves. Upon resumption of the NHL in the 2005–06 season, Larsen established a checking line role with the Thrashers and posted a career-high 7 goals for 15 points. After playing in an NHL-high 72 games and helping Atlanta reach their maiden postseason the following season, Larsen was re-signed by the Thrashers to a two-year contract extension on June 22, 2007. A mainstay on the Thrashers fourth line, Larsen's offensive contributions dipped in the 2007–08 season, scoring just 1 goal and four points. On September 26, 2008, Larsen was traded by Atlanta, along with Ken Klee and Chad Painchaud, to the Anaheim Ducks for Mathieu Schneider. Larsen's injury woes returned at the start of the 2008–09 season, after suffering a sports hernia; he was then required to have hip surgery which consequently keep him sidelined for the entire season without debuting for the Ducks. A free agent, Larsen was