Flyers Coach John Tortorella Calls NHL A “Dumb League”

John Tortorella has views. Against the backdrop of Saturday’s empty-net slap shot by Ridly Greig and Morgan Rielly’s furious reaction to such disrespect, the Philadelphia Flyers head coach was questioned Thursday morning about the cultural shift in hockey related to the inflow of bold, fresh kids.

Over his 21 seasons and five organizations, Tortorella has seen attitudes shift and the code alter. In terms of games coached, the 65-year-old is third among current bench bosses and has won a Stanley Cup.

Flyers Coach John Tortorella Calls NHL A “Dumb League”

This season, he has done an outstanding job of leading his Flyers, who have one of the youngest lineups in the league, into playoff contention. And he has accomplished this by adhering to traditional values of respect and diligence.

“Oh, my God. It is a different league. I gotta be really careful how I say it,” Tortorella began, taking a moment before delivering a calm, thoughtful response. “Well, it’s a dumb league. It is. It’s changed for coaches, too. And we’ve had to make adjustments, because there are so many mistakes made.

“I guess the thing with the young athletes is sometimes you have to wait your turn, right, as far as gaining respect and not wanting everything right now and not expecting everything right now — as far as ice time, as far as your contract, whatever it may be. Sometimes it’s good just to wait your turn and earn it.

“I think that’s where the athletes have changed. They have entourages around them that I think direct them the wrong way. And the hierarchy of a room, the hierarchy of what it is to be a pro, the process you have to go through as a pro, I think, is lost a little bit with the athlete now. And it’s something I miss terribly in being in the league for so long, seeing where it’s gone to now.

Over a quarter of a century has passed since Tortorella joined the NHL, and he has even more pro hockey experience. Therefore, he would be the one to notice changes like these if anybody was going to.

Although Tortorella pointed out that the NHL’s talent and speed levels may be at their highest points ever… Regarding the game’s cerebral component, the same simply cannot be stated.

“Great athletes. Great skill. Great speed. But the mental and the understanding what it is to be a pro and respecting the National Hockey League, that’s where I have some struggles.”

How many Stanley Cups has John Tortorella won?

Tampa Bay won the 2004 Stanley Cup under his leadership.

What is John Tortorella salary?

Weekes claims that Tortorella’s contract is “in the neighbourhood” of $4 million for each of the following four seasons. Shortly after the 2020–21 season, Tortorella, 63, announced his resignation from the Columbus bench after six seasons.

Who has 13 Stanley Cups?

The number of Stanley Cups the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League won between 1915 and 2023.

 

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE- 

Fairleigh Dickinson Players Stuck In Elevator Caused Delay In The Game Against Long Island