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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.
"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," Tortorella said. "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.