John Tortorella is Back!
Since John Tortorella's contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets expired at the end of the season, things have been quiet. After six seasons, both sides agreed to part ways. However, all open positions have been filled, leaving Tortorella on the bench. But, for now, he appears to have found work elsewhere.
"Told former [Blue Jackets] coach John Tortorella has been hired by ESPN to work as a studio analyst beginning this fall," said Aaron Portzline, who covers the team for The Athletic.
Torts is, of course, known for saying whatever is on his mind in the most blunt way possible, so he should at least be entertaining as a studio analyst. That said, there are plenty of questions over whether we'll see Tortorella back behind an NHL bench. Many have speculated that his style just does not work with today's players. Through six years with Columbus, his best finish was losing in the 2nd round of the playoffs. There are also several players that decided not to re-sign with Columbus after hitting free agency, while others asked to be traded. While Tortorella has never been specifically pegged as the reason for this, many have wondered if he was the main factor.
