Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella despatched a letter to season ticket holders on Monday saying whereas he is happy by the workforce’s effort, the group has work to do to meet his imaginative and prescient.
“I am not going to mislead you — and I wish to be clear to you — we’re not there but,” Tortorella wrote within the letter, obtained by ESPN. “This yr was step one in constructing the way forward for the Flyers and restoring our fame as probably the most revered groups in hockey.”
Philadelphia returns from the All Star break in seventh place within the Metropolitan Division, however solely six factors out of the ultimate Japanese Convention Wild Card spot. Nevertheless Tortorella’s letter urged the group is targeted on a long-term method, and may very well be sellers forward of the March 3 commerce deadline.
In accordance with sources, Philadelphia is fielding calls about a number of gamers, together with pending unrestricted free agent James Van Riemsdyk, who has 21 factors in 31 video games this season — although the Flyers would possible should retain a few of Van Riemsdyk’s $7 million wage in a commerce.
Philadelphia has been trying into buying and selling defenseman Ivan Provorov this season, per a number of sources, although a rival NHL govt informed ESPN there may be extra league-wide curiosity in depth defenseman Nick Seeler — who may very well be moved to open up taking part in time for youthful gamers over the ultimate stretch.
Tortorella praised the way in which his workforce has “constantly responded to the challenges we have confronted.” The coach mentioned the workforce has “some youngsters who’ve impressed me. Some who’ve taken on heavy minutes and massive obligations” including that “this growth of our younger gamers is completely essential for our future.”
The coach additionally admitted he is “challenged the veterans on the workforce” and mentioned he is been pleased with how they’ve responded.
Tortorella, the two-time Jack Adams Award winner, is within the first yr of a four-year contract with Philadelphia. He is brazenly talked about establishing an id from Day 1, which started with a bodily demanding coaching camp and continued with wholesome scratches of veteran gamers like Tony DeAngelo, Kevin Hayes and Rasmus Ristolainen.
The coach wrote that halfway by way of the season, he will see how his group responds to the grueling schedule forward.
“This excites me as a result of I can promise you this — the solutions to these questions will come,” Tortorella wrote. “You and I’ll discover out collectively, and we’ll be a fair more durable workforce for having gone by way of it. That is as a result of we’re within the midst of building an id. Not simply any id — however an id that displays the town of Philadelphia and the proud historical past of the Flyers group.”