Bob Hartley announces departure from KHL; says he's not done coaching

After four years in Russia as head coach of the KHL's Avangard Omsk, Bob Hartley has announced he's not returning next season.

"When I signed my second contract with Avangard, I had already decided that this would be my last contract, my last two years," Hartley told reporters during a virtual news conference Monday. "Hockey gave me everything in life, but I have a family. I would really like to live in Omsk. I worked 18 years in a factory, grew up in a small town where, like Omsk, it's snowy and cold. But it was time to spend time with my family, I have two granddaughters. I never celebrated Christmas with them, their birthdays."

That said, the 61-year-old Hawkesbury, Ontario native insisted he's not looking to retire.

"I'm not ending my coaching career. It's in my blood," he said.

Hartley won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001, and was awarded the Jack Adams Trophy as Coach of the Year with the Calgary Flames in 2015. He took over Avangard in 2018, bringing the team to the Gagarin Cup Final in his second season. In his third, he won the KHL Championship with Omsk. This season, he managed to make it to the second round before being eliminated in seven games by Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

"It was a great four years at Avangard. I'm grateful to the whole management of the club. I worked with so many talented people. Avangard has been my family for these years," said Hartley.

There may be some openings in the NHL next season. There's speculation that Jeff Blashill won't be returning to the Detroit Red Wings, while Lindy Ruff is also said to be on the hot seat in New Jersey. It's possible Hartley's name could come up for either of those positions. He certainly had a successful run in Russia.

Source: Sports24.ru

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