One of hockey's most entertaining characters is heading back behind an NHL bench, according to multiple reports.
John Tortorella has been hired by the Columbus Blue Jackets, TSN reports, replacing Todd Richards, fired just seven games into the 2015-16 season.
Since Tortorella is still under contract with the Vancouver Canucks, Columbus will send a second-round draft pick out west in exchange as compensation for bringing on the bench boss, according to Sportsnet.
The Canucks canned Tortorella last May, only one season into a five-year, $10-million deal.
The fiery 57-year-old guided the Tampa Bay Lightning to the 2004 Stanley Cup and will coach the under-23 North American all-stars team at the World Cup of Hockey next year.