The Philadelphia Flyers hired John Tortorella as head coach in hopes he could lead the team to their first Stanley Cup title since 1975.
The takeover was confirmed on Thursday by someone familiar with the decision, but spoke out The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The official announcement is due to take place on Friday.
Tortorella, who will celebrate her 64th birthday next week, led the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Stanley Cup title in 2004. She also coached the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks and Vancouver Blue Jackets. columbus. He was removed in May 2021, after six seasons at the helm of the Blue Jackets.
Tortorella has been the Flyers ’sixth head coach in 10 years and will seek to revitalize an organization that has only won one series since 2012. The Flyers finished last season with a 25-46-11 record, the worst in the Metropolitan Division.
Quebecer Alain Vigneault was sacked by the Flyers on Dec. 6. Mike Yeo took over until the end of the season.
The Blue Jackets went 227-166-54 under Tortorella, including a 50-24-8 record in 2016-17. The team, however, had a very difficult season in 2020-21 (18-26-12).
Tortorella is the second most successful American head coach in NHL history. Tortorella boasts a 673-541-37-132 record in nearly 20 seasons as head coach.
Associated Press
Source: Radio-Canada