Per Darren Dreger on Twitter the Blue Jackets have fired head Coach Todd Richards and hired John Tortorella.
Todd Richards out in CBJ. Torts in.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) October 21, 2015Tortorella needs no introduction; he is one of the most entertaining coaches in the NHL, and not in a good way. In 936 games with the Lightning, Rangers and Canucks he has compiled a 446-375-78 record with 37 ties. Most of that success came with the Lightning, where he won the Stanley Cup and Jack Adams trophy in 2003-04.
Recently everything surrounding Torts has been about he has done off the ice rather than on the ice. In New York he coached some very successful teams but is most remember for his feud with Rangers reporter Larry Brooks. His legacy in Vancouver is remembered most by starting a line brawl and then trying to fight Calgary coach Bob Hartley.
While in New York Torts also feuded with players notably current Blue Jacket Brandon Dubinsky. This quote from the Daily News in 2013 just about sums up it:
“I think my relationship with Torts fell apart the last year that I was there (in New York),…
“I just felt like his relationship with some of the other players could be doing the same thing. So I guess that pretty much sums it up. I wasn’t completely surprised that it happened.…
Let’s hope this relationship has been mended and this won’t be an issue.
As for paying Torts Elliotte Friedman reported on Twitter that Vancouver will still be paying a portion of Torts salary which explains how the CBJ were able to afford him.
Negotiations with Tortorella began yesterday. Hired at approx 130 am today. VAN still paying a portion of his salary.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 21, 2015Because Vancouver still has to pay Torts and he is under contract the Jackets have to give a second round pick because the signing came in season.
Wait! I'm told the #canucks actually get a second-round pick from Columbus because John Tortorella's hiring comes in-season.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 21, 2015This blows my mind. I will never understand how a team can be compensated for a firing a coach I do not get it. It’s very frustrating and honestly a waste of assets. Draft picks, especially top 90 ones are very valuable so to give one up for a coach is mind boggling. I would have rather kept Richards or hired a first time coach from the AHL, CHL etc.
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