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John Tortorella reveals conceivable return to the NHL and sets record straight about ugly ending with Flyers

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Jack Sutherland
September 26, 2025 (8:03)

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Former Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella, who was fired last year with a few games left, has broken his silence on how his time with the team ended and has revealed his mindset on a return to the NHL.

Philadelphia Flyers GM Danny Briere decided to make a change in leadership with a few games remaining last year, firing head coach John Tortorella; he was replaced by Brad Shaw for the rest of the year.

The Flyers are now coached by Rick Tocchet, who left the Vancouver Canucks during the summer.

But it's clear that Tortorella didn't appreciate any implication that he called it quits on his team.

Tortorella said that he had never quit anything in his life and that he clearly disagrees with other comments that he's heard.

He even admitted he misses coaching in the NHL and seems saddened that he isn't behind a bench for the seasons upcoming start this year, but mentioned 'we'll see what happens', as if he's in the midst of a return to the league.

"Do I want to coach again? Yeah. I heard a couple NHL coaches accuse me [of quitting on the team]. Did I quit on the team after those comments I made in Toronto? I haven't quit on a [bleeping] thing in my life. Those comments were totally taken out of [context].

Listen, I don't think I explained myself totally correctly, either. But I miss it already. I miss preparing [for] camp. I miss the camaraderie of camp. Yeah, I want to coach, so we'll see what happens."

-John Tortorella

Tortorella will be an assistant with the American team for the Olympics

Tortorella was named as an assistant to the American team for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Tortorella won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, and has also been the head coach of the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Previously on Chicago Hockey Insider

Chicago Blackhawks' 27-year-old forward undergoes procedure that will ruin his NHL chances

Chicago Blackhawks announce this unexpected player group of 3 will be sent to the Rockford IceHogs

Breaking down the Chicago Blackhawks' preseason blunder against the Detroit Red Wings

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SEPTEMBRE 26 \| 227 ANSWERS John Tortorella reveals conceivable return to the NHL and sets record straight about ugly ending with Flyers Is John Tortorella ever going to get another chance in the NHL again?
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John Tortorella reveals conceivable return to the NHL and sets record straight about ugly ending with Flyers

Tortorella will be an assistant with the American team for the Olympics

Is John Tortorella ever going to get another chance in the NHL again?