Coach John Tortorella will actually return behind a National Hockey League (NHL) bench in 2022-23 after the Philadelphia Flyers hired him as head coach, they said Friday.
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The organization didn’t specify the details of the agreement, but the NHL Network chain cited a four-year, $16 million pact the day before. The 63-year-old, who is known for his sometimes explosive mood swings, will look to put a club that finished last regular season in the basement of the metropolitan section back on track with 61 points. Also, the Flyers had fired Alain Vigneault after 22 games and Mike Yeo had replaced him on an interim basis for the remainder of the game.
Now General Manager Chuck Fletcher is ready for a fresh start with a veteran Stanley Cup winner with the 2003-04 Tampa Bay Lightning.
“John demands the best from his players in every game. He is a Stanley Cup champion and has an eloquent record in the season and playoffs, the DG said in a press release. During the interview process, we discussed several crucial issues for this club to achieve quick success. I realized that his vision and way of working made him the right person to create a winning atmosphere in our dressing room.
The right combination
For the main sufferer, who will lead in the NHL for the first time since leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2021, this is a great opportunity to restore his credentials for a team that has been on the hunt for a maiden championship since the spring of 1975 is.
“I knew from my first conversation with Chuck that this was the right combination for me. I believe that the direction the club has taken is appropriate. Having played against the Flyers for many years, I especially know how hard it is to play in Philadelphia, and I’ll be happy to find myself on the right bench on opening night in front of a loyal and passionate crowd of Flyers fans ‘ Tortorella said.
The latter has signed 1,383 career-season meetings on the counter and 673 wins.