Kamloops native Mark Recchi is joining the Columbus Blue Jackets as an assistant coach to new head coach Pascal Vincent.

The 55-year-old Recchi is eighth on the NHL’s all-time games played list (1,652), 13th in points (1,522), and 15th in assists (956). He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2017, and is due to be inducted into the Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame in January.

Following a 22 season playing career, Recchi spent parts of two seasons – 2012-13 and 2013-14 – as a senior adviser with the Dallas Stars.

He then worked for the Pittsburgh Penguins for six seasons between 2014/15 and 2019/20, first as a development coach and later assistant coach, before spending the next two seasons as an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils.

“Mark adds a wealth of knowledge as a player and a coach, both in development and as an assistant, to our group that will be instrumental in helping our organization grow on and off the ice.  His expertise in the offensive zone and on the power play, specifically, will be a huge benefit for our club,” Vincent said, in a statement.

“He is a Hall of Fame player who won three Stanley Cup championships, which combined with his coaching experience, will make him a great resource for our players.  We are excited to have him in Columbus.”

Vincent was named Blue Jackets head coach on Sept. 17 in the wake of Mike Babcock’s resignation.