John Tortorella is the NHL’s fire breathing dragon. When he opens his mouth, people are burned.

The Philadelphia Flyers run of Tortorella hot-take moments continued when he let loose with a fiery speech to amplify how he feels about his team. Was this directed at fans or players? Maybe both. Jonathan Bailey has the story of another Tortorella blast.

“It follows me around, and so be it,” Tortorella said. “If a player is going to quit on me, or players or going to quit on me because I’m trying to make them better people and better athletes, you’ve got the wrong damn coach here, and you’ve got the wrong damn people here,” Tortorella began.

“My job is, I’m going to push athletes. . . I was in control the other night. What I said I meant. And, quite honestly, when I watch the tape now, I’m more concerned than just the second period. Because of, I’m so proud of the team getting here.

“And I guess now that narrative out there is, because I’ve heard from other people, is that they’re young, they’re not supposed to be here… bulls–t! We’re here! We’re here; face it!”

The Flyers are 5-7-4 since March 1 and 0-3-2 in their last five games.

“I don’t think we’re ready to be better, and that’s my problem with us right now,” Tortorella concluded. “And it is my job. I have not done a good enough job to get them over the hump after playing those seven games. I haven’t done a good enough job to make them understand we have to be different now. We have to be at a different level.

“That’s my frustration with me, and that’s my frustration with the team. If people can’t handle it, so be it.”

John Tortorella delivered an impassioned @NHLFlyers press conference today, explaining his coaching philosophies and interactions with players.

A must-watch 90-seconds pic.twitter.com/8mvhOVvLBu

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 3, 2024

An Old Fashioned Line Brawl

You gotta this: The New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers engaged in a 1970s-style line brawl. New Jersey Hockey Now’s James Nichols explains why this happened.

A FULL ON 5v5 LINE BRAWL TO START THE GAME

CHAOS AT MSG pic.twitter.com/k95BsP34xA

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 3, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Michael Rasmussen will miss Friday’s game against the New York Rangers with an upper body injury. He is questionable for Sunday’s game as well.
• The Simon Edvinsson era has officially started with the Detroit Red Wings. He has played well enough to be included in Detroit’s regular mix.
• Two Red Wings prospects honored, including Toledo Walleye goalie Jan Bednar.
• Detroit prospect defensemen Axel Sandin Pellikka and Anton Johansson are making an impact in the Swedish Hockey League.

Red Wings Next Game

Alex Lyon will be making a third consecutive start in goal Friday when the Red Wings play at home against the New York Rangers.  He has stopped 70 out of 74 shots (.946 save percentage) in his past two starts.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Jimmy Murphy explores whether James van Riemsdyk will be in the Boston Bruins‘ lineup for the opening game of NHL playoffs.

Chicago: Nate Brown says former Red Wings player Petr Mrazek has been the Chicago Blackhawks MVP this season.

Colorado: Valeri Nichushkin will join the Colorado Avalanche on their road trip? Will he play? Evan Rawal weighs in.

Montreal: MHN offers some possible offseason trade targets for the Montreal Canadiens.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes that the Pittsburgh Penguins may finally be showing their character with a last-ditch run at making the playoffs.

The post The Daily: Tortorella Won’t Stop Venting; Old School Line Brawl appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The NHL is accustomed to Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella making news with how he runs his team and what he has to say in his press conferences.

But Tuesday he added a new wrinkle to his show: He apologized.

PHN’s Jonathan Bailey wrote that Tortorella admitted he poorly handled a situation when asked his thoughts about how goalie Felix Sandstrom played against Florida Sunday night. Instead of speaking, Tortorella raised his arms twice, and walked off.

“It appears that both he and the Flyers quickly picked up on how negatively this reaction was perceived,” Bailey wrote.

Tortorella’s apology: “I made a terrible mistake with you guys the other night when. . . my body language was wrong. I tried to communicate with you guys after. He’s trying. Sandy’s trying,” Tortorella told traveling media in New York. “Things happened this year that put our goaltending situation into a little bit of a state of flux. Sandy did not deserve that from me.

“He did not deserve that from me. It was wrong.”

Tortorella this morning apologized for his non-response when asked about goalie Felix Sandstrom's play Sunday: "I made a terrible mistake with you guys the other night. You might have asked me about Sanny. My body language was wrong. What I should have said to you was … (1/2) https://t.co/lzzfrxpAyA

— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) March 26, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Too many third period mistakes dooms coach Derek Lalonde‘s team in overtime loss to Washington Tuesday.
• Detroit prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka scores overtime playoff goal for Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League.
• The Grand Rapids Griffins are on the verge of getting somewhere they haven’t been since 2019.
• The Red Wings hope they have discovered a late-round sleeper. They signed 2023 seventh-round draft pick Emmitt Finnie.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings are looking to break a seven-game road losing streak when they play the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday in Raleigh. The Hurricanes are 11-3-1 in their last 15 games. The Hurricanes are second in the Metropolitan Division, three points behind the New York Rangers.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: Nate Brown writes that former Notre Dame player Landon Slaggert may be another piece for the Chicago Blackhawks future.

Colorado: Avalanche coach Jared Bednar was not happy with his team’s energy level in sleepy loss to Montreal. Colorado Avalanche.

Montreal: Juraj Slafkovsky sets Montreal Canadiens record in win against the Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh: Jake Guentzel made it clear that it was the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ decision to trade him. “Not my choice,” he said.

San Jose: San Jose Hockey Now’s Sheng Peng breaks down the different scenarios possible regarding whether the San Jose Sharks receive the Pittsburgh Penguins’ first round draft this year or next year.

The post The Daily: Tortorella Adds Twist to His Act; Wings Prospect News appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Tim Robinson’s story about the Detroit Red Wings‘ fifth consecutive loss had plenty of disappointing news for Detroit fans including the fact Michael Rasmussen left the game with an undisclosed injury.

Detroit coach Derek Lalonde didn’t have a Rasmussen update after the game. An update could come today if the Red Wings practice. Otherwise, we won’t hear until Monday.

The losing streak couldn’t come at a worse time because the New York Islanders have won five in a row while Detroit has lost five. The Red Wings now own the Eastern Conference’s second wild card spot. They are two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning who own the first wild card position.  The Islanders are now only two points behind Detroit and  have two games in hand.

Detroit group was more like itself than it was against Colorado and Arizona. The Rasmussen late first period goal seemed to bring them back online.

Not much is going right for the Red Wings at the moment. They have given up four or more goals in each of their five consecutive losses. Opponents Detroit 25-8 in the five games.

The Red Wings certainly understand there’s pressure on them to win in Buffalo Tuesday. That’s the last game of this four-game road trip.

“I just think you got to concentrate on our effort,” Lalonde said. “We did that pretty much from the second period on in Arizona.  Unfortunately, we’re not being rewarded. Keep an effort like that and I think we’ll have some success going forward.”

JT on the power play. pic.twitter.com/winRi1r2NW

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 10, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed

• No luck for the Red Wings in Las Vegas. Jonathan Marchessault registered a hat trick to lead the Golden Knights to a 5-3 triumph against Detroit.
• Patrick spent just a minute in the Arizona Coyotes organization and the franchise paid homage to his time on social media. Coyotes had some fun.
• Klim Kostin isn’t a good fit with the Red Wings.
• GM Steve Yzerman believes goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa is headed in the right direction. .

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings will take a season-long five game losing streak into a Tuesday game against the Buffalo Sabres. Without injured captain Dylan Larkin, the team has not been itself.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Newcomer Patrick Maroon already has plenty of respect from Boston Bruins veterans.

Calgary: Trevor Neufeld graded how Pacific Division teams, including the Calgary Flames, performed before the NHL trade deadline.

Chicago:  With Notre Dame getting knocked out of the Big Ten tournament, Nate Brown says the Chicago Blackhawks may be signing Landon Slaggert quickly. He had 20 goals and 31 points in 36 games.

Nashville: James Nichols explores what the New Jersey Devils goalie plan is moving forward.

Philadelphia:  Video included: Coach John Tortorella is ejected. It happened in the Philadelphia Flyers‘ loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Penguins sad post-NHL trade deadline reality was on display in a 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins. Dan Kingerski sums up the Penguins mess.

The post The Daily: No Word on Rasmussen Injury; Tortorella Ejected appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Kevin Hayes and coach John Tortorella didn’t see eye-to-eye when Hayes played for the Philadelphia Flyers. But Tortorella unleashed some fury on a member of the media in defense of Hayes Wednesday night.

Hayes had been receiving death threats because a media member said on a podcast that he had influenced Cutter Gauthier to not want to play in Philadelphia. The Flyers had to trade Gauthier this week. (Hayes had said he didn’t have anything to do with Gauthier’s situation.).

In a post-game press conference, Tortorella unloaded:

“IS the guy here that caused Kevin Hayes a problem? You? Are you kidding me?” Tortorella starts. “You think Kevin Hayes is gonna do something like that? It’s bull—t. It pisses me off that you guys throw that s–t around and it affects someone’s life. Kevin Hayes had a problem – we couldn’t come to an agreement on how to play.”

“That’s a good man. That’s a good man. And what you said is gonna stay with him,” Tortorella continued. “That’s what you guys don’t understand, you say something – you’re gonna sit there and say you had the right sources. I call bull—t,” he finished.

Tortorella will stick up for his players. That’s why many players like to play for him.

The Tortorella rant can be seen in the link provided above

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• The Edmonton Oilers will test Detroit Red Wings penalty killers who are on a 20-for-20 streak.
• Former Detroit player Gustav Lindstrom is now on his third NHL team. He was reunited with Pat Verbeek in Anaheim after the Ducks claimed him on waivers.
• Bob Duff offers an insightful look at what makes Michael Rasmussen valuable every night.
• Prize prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka is out for an extended period because of an upper body injury suffered at the WJC.

Red Wings Next Game

Goaltender Alex Lyon (2.51 goals-against average, .920 save percentage) will be making his sixth consecutive start tonight when the Red Wings host the Edmonton Oilers. Lyon is 8-4 on the season, and has won four of his last five starts. Jake Walman (illness) is a maybe. Klim Kostin should be back on the weekend.

With 3 wins in 3 games + a .921 sv%, Alex Lyon is our @xfinity Player of the Week!#NHLAllStarVote pic.twitter.com/WVY20QcVWT

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 9, 2024

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Could the Boston Bruins trade for a veteran goalie? Jimmy Murphy wonders if they might be in the market if the Linus Ullmark injury keeps him out of the lineup for an extended period.  They may simply put their faith in AHL goalie Brandon Bussi. But he is unproven and the Eastern Conference race

Buffalo: Jason Moser graded goalie Devon Levi an “F” and defenseman Owen Power a D- for their work in a loss to the Seattle Kraken. Casey Mittelstadt earned the only “A”. Buffalo Sabres.

Chicago: Connor Bedard will be sidelined 6-8 weeks after having surgery to repair his fractured jaw. The Chicago Blackhawks, overrun by injuries this season, face another major obstacle.

Montreal: Marc Dumont writes that goalie Cayden Primeau, son of former Red Wings player Keith Primeau, stole a point for the Montreal Canadiens.

The post The Daily: Watch Tortorella Unleash Epic Rant; Lyon vs. Oilers appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Jonathan Bailey of Philly Hockey Now makes the point that plenty of naysayers were wrong when they predicted coach John Tortorella would not be a good fit for a young, rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers team.

“Aren’t the Flyers rebuilding?,” Bailey wrote. “Tortorella was supposed to be a terrible fit for a young, rebuilding Philadelphia team. And yet, in the 2023-24 season, the exact opposite has been true. Where did this narrative around ‘Torts’ start, anyway?

Today, that young rebuilding team is 17-10-4,  ranking them 11th in the NHL. They are in second place in the Metropolitan Division.   They are 7-1-2 in their last 10 games.

“I wish I had him when I was 18 and coming in the league,” defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen said of his coach after the Flyers’ 1-0 win Saturday against Detroit. “It’s been fun working with him, and I feel like I’ve taken some big steps under him.”

The problem in CBJ is they had an unsustainable run in his second season, and their GM went all in the next two seasons, overestimating the talent. So far, Torts/Briere have been adamant that they're still rebuilding, and aren't fooled by the good start.

— Steve Isser (@SteveIsser) December 18, 2023

Red Wings in Case You Missed It

• Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine is ready to take on the world at the WJC. He is progressing nicely in his first season at Michigan State.
• The only good news in the Red Wings’ 1-0 loss to Philadelphia is that Ville Husso played sharply in net.
• Patrick Kane is proving that he is still a dangerous offensive player, even if the puck isn’t going in.

Red Wings Next Game

The Red Wings (15-11-4) are home to play the Anaheim Ducks (11-19-0) Monday. The Ducks snapped a five-game losing streak with a 5-1 win against the New Jersey Devils Sunday. The Red Wings should have some information about goalie Alex Lyon who was injured in the loss to Philly. Regardless of Lyon’s status, Husso is the logical choice to start against the Ducks. He’s coming off a strong relief effort against Anaheim.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: David Pastrnak wasn’t suspended for his boarding major against Ryan Lindgren. Boston Bruins

Colorado: Game seems slow for red-hot Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon.

Florida: Colby Guy writes that it’s impossible to measure the impact that Sasha Barkov has on the Florida Panthers.

Montreal: The goalie market is hot right now, with multiple teams looking for goalie help. Every team passed on Antti Raanta on waivers. Montreal Canadiens goalie Jake Allen or Cayden Primeau are trade targets. MHN points out that teams only have three days to act or they will have to wait until the NHL holiday roster freeze ends on Dec. 28. It starts on Dec. 20

The post The Daily: Guess Tortorella Isn’t Bad Fit in Philly; Hot Goalie Market appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Magnus Hellberg (2.96 goals-against average, .902 save percentage) will get the start in goal tonight for the Detroit Red Wings against the St. Louis Blues. Ville Husso is scheduled to play Thursday against the Blues. That’s been the plan after Husso was pulled against the Colorado Avalanche.

Coach Derek Lalonde wanted Husso (3.01, .899) back in the driver’s seat Monday against Florida. Husso has played impressively this season. However, he’s playing more than he has in the past. Husso has 51 appearances this season. He’s never logged more than 42 in a previous professional season. He played 40 in 2021-22 for the Blues.

“We’re going to get him beyond his threshold,” Lalone said. “There’s going to be nights he does not look sharp, like the other night, but there’s going to be nights he’s sharp. I think just getting him past that comfortable level threshold is very valuable going forward.”

Over his past nine appearances,  Husso has surrendered 33 goals on 212 shots. That’s an .844 save percentage. Hellberg has been an effective backup goalie.  In four of his last six appearances, Hellberg posted a save percentage of .921 or better. GM Steve Yzerman must decide whether to re-sign Hellberg after this season.

Husso gave up five goals against the Panthers, but Lalonde said after the game he was “Good. Fine.”

“He probably reflects our game, (our) team,” Lalonde said. “It was okay but obviously a point shot beat him. This is the National Hockey League. Point shots cannot beat you. Unfortunately, it was the only goal of the second period. With that said, he had some elite saves, which is good. He gave us a chance there at the end.”

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Andrew Copp said the Red Wings need to find a way to inspire each other to play at a higher level.

Simon Edvinsson played even in his second NHL game than his debut game. But he also suffered an injury in that second game.

Behind the pay wall (+): Red Wings are going to play a pair of games against their former teammate Jakub Vrana. He’s off to a strong start with the Blues.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (30-30-9) play tonight on the road against the St. Louis Blues. They play the Blues Thursday at home. Vrana has five goals in his first seven games with the Blues.

Hockey Now Network

Boston:  Retired Bruins player Zdeno Chara, 46, announced he is going to run the Boston marathon next month to raise money for charity. Chara was looking for a challenge and he’s making it count. Boston Bruins.

Calgary: The Flames, fighting for a playoff spot, were thrashed 8-2 by the Los Angeles Kings.  The Flames had a chance to pull within a point or two of the Winnipeg Jets. Instead, they had one of their performances of the season.The Calgary Flames aren’t playing like a team that deserves to be in the postseason.

Colorado: With six consecutive wins, the Avalanche may be the NHL’s hottest team. They are certainly playing like a team ready to defend their Stanley Cup championship. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Sasha Barkov is now officially the Panthers all-time leading scorer. More importantly, the Florida Panthers are in a playoff spot. Can they keep it.

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Montreal: Injured forwards Kirby Dach, Brendan Gallagher and Jake Evans all returned to practice Monday. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia: The always-blunt coach John Tortorella had this assessment of the Flyers: ‘I thing there needs to be some subtraction. Philadephia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: How low can the Penguins go? They need wins and they lost to the Senators. Here is what’s going on with the Pittsburgh Penguins

Vegas: The Golden Kings could have four goalies on their roster for the playoffs. Owen Krepps tries to figure who will start in the postseason for the Vegas Golden Knights?

Washington: The latest on the Evgeny Kuznetsov’s injury and John Carlson’s comeback is four in the Capitals Notebook. Washington Capitals.

The post The Daily: Torts Offers Harsh Assesstment; Hellberg Starts Tonight appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Anyone hoping for a quick turnabout in the Jakub Vrana saga will be disappointed. Grand Rapids Griffins Coach Ben Simon scratched Vrana for the second consecutive game. The Griffins lost 4-0 Friday to the Iowa Wild.

When Simon was asked what Vrana needs to do to return to the lineup, he said: “Compete. Same thing as everyone else. Compete.”

American Hockey League teams are only permitted to use five non-goalies with 320 more games of NHL, AHL or elite European games of experience. But if the organization was pleased with Vrana’s progress, it seems likely Vrana would be playing. He has one assist in six games and he’s -6.

The Red Wings placed Vrana on waivers last week and then sent him to the Griffins after no team claimed him. Vrana played two games for the Red Wings in October and then entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program for two months.

Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic, in Grand Rapids on a conditioning assignment, was in net for the Griffins. He has played five games for Grand Rapids and is 2-2-1 with a 2.76 goals-against average and .906 save percentage.

Jesper Wallstedt was in goal for the Wild. The top two goalies for the 2021 draft were Wallstedt and Sebastian Cossa. The Red Wings opted for Cossa at No. 15.

In the words of Buffalo Springfield….. “There’s something happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear”@DetroitRedWings forward Jakub Vrana a healthy scratch again tonight (veteran rule????). Alex Nedeljkovic @alexned_ back between the pipes for GR. @griffinshockey host Iowa pic.twitter.com/jG8kiiWQ4n

— Larry Figurski (@larryfigurski) January 14, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Ville Husso will start again in net for the Red Wings tonight against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This is an important game.

Robby Fabbri has been a fuel source for the Red Wings since he returned to the lineup.

Bob Duff looks at the good, bad and ugly of reuniting the Lucas Raymond-Dylan Larkin-Tyler Bertuzzi line.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (18-15-7) will be searching for their third consecutive home win tonight when they play host to the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-27-2).  Columbus has lost three in a row, and has only won two of its last 10.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Coach Jim Montgomery is hoping the Bruins’ loss to the Seattle Kraken was a wake-up call. Boston Bruins. 

Colorado: Would a healthy Gabe Landeskog solve all of Colorado’s problems. CHN’s Evan Rawal digs for the answer. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: The Panthers brought Casey Fitzgerald home when they claimed him on waivers. He was born in Boca Raton when his father Tom played for the Panthers. Florida Panthers. 

Montreal: Is it too early to start sorting out the Canadiens’ 2023 draft options. Not at all. Montreal Canadiens.

New York: Is Neil Smith taking a role again with the Islanders? Stefen Rosner explains the rumors. New York Islanders.

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Philadelphia: Ivan Provorov knows about the trade rumors, but wants to stay with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins struggled to create offense in a 4-1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Pittsburgh Penguins

San Jose:  Do the Sharks really want three first round picks for Erik Karlsson? Sheng Peng has the story.  San Jose Sharks. 

Washington: Coach Peter Laviolette isn’t happy with his team’s play of late. He’s shuffling his lines again. Washington Capitals.

The post The Daily: Tortorella Bans I-Pads in Philly; Griffins Scratch Vrana Again appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

John Tortorella agreed to a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers Thursday as the NHL coaching carousel picks up speed.

Bruce Cassidy is in Vegas. Lane Lambert owns the New York Islanders job. Tortorella is now with Philadelphia, The NHL is down to five teams (Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks) looking for a new person behind the bench.

The Blackhawks’ situation is different because the organization has stated  interim coach Derek King is still a candidate for the job.

**Breaking News**
Per my initial on #ThePoint ; I can confirm @NHLFlyers are hiring HC John Tortorella in the neighborhood of 4yr X 4M deal, and @GoldenKnights HC Cassidy in the neighborhood of 5 yr X 4.5 M. Coaching Carousel continues . @espn @NHL #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/Uvvq5NufM3

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 16, 2022

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins set up interviews with five candidates. Bruins assistant coach Joe Sacco is on that list, plus Seattle Kraken assistant Jay Leach, former New York Rangers coach David Quinn, former Stars coach JIm Montgomery and former Providence Bruins assistant coach Spencer Carbery.

Former NHL player Marc Savard, now the Windsor Spitfires coach, reportedly is interviewing with teams.

It is presumed some NHL team, such as the Detroit Red Wings  might want to wait to talk to Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coaches after the Stanley Cup Final is over. Nate Brown looked at the coaching cast of character earlier this week for Detroit Hockey Now.

In Case You Missed It

Kirill Tyutyayev hopes to stay healthy playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins to show the Red Wings what he can do offensively. He signed a new one-year contract.

Former Red Wings goalie Domink Hasek doesn’t think he will be chosen to run Czech hockey.

Detroit Hockey Now analyzes Red Savage’s potential to make the Detroit Red Wings. He is the son of former NHLer Brian Savage.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: Coach Jared Bednar says injured Colorado Avalanche players Nazem Kadri and Andrew Cogliano are improving.

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Florida: Should the Florida Panthers change their goal song?

Montreal: Canadiens add Evgenii Dadonov by moving Shea Weber’s contract to the Vegas Golden Knights.

New York: New York Islanders prospect William Dufour chosen as MVP of the QMJHL. The 20-year-old Dufour produced 56 goals plus 60 assists for 116 points in 66 regular-season games

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now looks at what it would cost to replace Evgeni Malkin if he left through free agency.

The post The Daily: Three down, Five to Go in NHL Coaching Searches appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The Detroit Red Wings are one of several teams seeking to fill a head coaching vacancy. When Steve Yzerman opted to not renew Jeff Blashill’s contract, it signaled a pivot in the rebuild. Not only would Yzerman seek a new voice, but he would choose one to take the Red Wings to the next level.

As of Tuesday evening, there’s been movement in the carousel as two names, Bruce Cassidy and John Tortorella, have been offered positions with Vegas and Philadelphia respectively.

Meanwhile, in the latest 32 Thoughts Podcast with Elliotte Friedman, he indicated that Yzerman has cast a “wide net” that includes coaches of every kind. This goes in line with what Yzerman said at his end of the year press conference.

In other words, no one has the foggiest idea of what he’ll do. In the meantime, DHN will log coaches mentioned as well as those now off the list.

Here’s the most recent update on the latest coaching information, whose name has been mentioned, and whether the Detroit Red Wings have been involved with interviews. Last Updated: June 17 at 1:35 EST

Bruce Cassidy – Hired by Vegas Golden Knights

Just when the coaching carousel couldn’t get any more interesting, on hops Cassidy. In the same shocking category as Trotz, Cassidy left a very successful team and became available to curious teams. Might Yzerman have looked his way? Frank Seravalli of DailyFaceoff.com believed that Cassidy was on Philadelphia’s list for an interview. But as it would play out, Cassidy would go to a team that is built to win now.

By Tuesday afternoon, Cassidy was no longer unemployed. The Vegas Golden Knights have named him the third coach in team history:

**Breaking News**
I’m told @GoldenKnights to hire HC Bruce Cassidy. @NHL @StanleyCup #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/CJq8kqB1Vt

— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 14, 2022

John Tortorella – Hired by Philadelphia Flyers

For the segment of the Red Wings fans base that wanted nothing to do with Tortorella, they can breathe easy. The NHL Network’s Kevin Weekes reported Tuesday evening that Tortorella was in “late stages” negotiations to become the Flyers next bench boss and that he was offered the gig by the Flyers. He was officially named yesterday after the team hammered out a four-year deal:

The Philadelphia Flyers have agreed to a 4-year deal with John Tortorella to be their head coach, @KevinWeekes reported on Thursday. https://t.co/Q0LSbwKgEE

— ESPN (@espn) June 16, 2022

David Quinn

Frank Seravalli tweeted that the former New York Rangers bench boss has interviewed with the Red Wings. Quinn has a history of coaching and developing younger talent, working as the head coach for the Lake Erie Monsters (2009-11) and also Boston University. His tenure in New York ended last season after the Rangers missed the playoffs. Quinn also interviewed with the Flyers per Seravalli.

Jeff Blashill

Speaking of the former Red Wings bench boss, Seravalli reports that Blashill has interviewed with the Flyers. There’s some speculation that Blashill may be a target for the Florida Panthers if they decide to not give Andrew Brunette the full time gig.

Current Florida general manager Bill Zito kept Blashill on as the US men’s coach in 2018, which earned the US a bronze medal at the World Championships.

If Zito is anything like Yzerman,  perhaps he’ll look closer at someone he has worked with before. In the meantime, Blashill waits as the Flyers have apparently chosen Tortorella.

Luke Richardson

The Montreal assistant coach has been sought after by the Chicago Blackhawks, who still haven’t removed the interim tag from Derek King. Chicago has asked for permission to speak to him, per Seravalli. Richardson has been an assistant with several teams and even ran the Montreal bench last season as the Habs pushed for the Stanley Cup Final. Richardson filled in for then head coach Dominique Ducharme, who was placed in COVID protocol.

Barry Trotz

Trotz has been linked to several openings, notably Detroit, Winnipeg, Philadelphia, and Vegas. Trotz was shockingly let go by the New York Islanders and immediately shot up as one of the most desired hires. It remains to be seen what Trotz would want, and he has indicated he’s in no hurry about where he’s going to go. He has interviewed with Detroit already.

Yzerman talked specifically about how the Red Wings needed to tighten up defensively and Trotz would certainly help there. The real question: Would he want to take a chance on a team that appears a bit further behind than others in the rebuild phase? Though prospects like Jonatan Berggren and Simon Edvinsson seem likely to be on the roster, Detroit still has a number of holes to fill.

A team ready for contention-such as Florida, should they want to go a different direction, might be more likely.

Derek Lalonde

Though he’s in a holding pattern due to the Lightning still being in the playoffs, Lalonde’s name continues to come up with insiders everywhere. The Red Wings could be a logical fit due to Yzerman hiring him in Tampa Bay back in 2018. But there will be many enticing jobs open for him should he make the leap.

Peter DeBoer

The former coach of the Vegas Golden Knights has been linked to the Dallas job. There’s also been some speculation that DeBoer interviewed with the Red Wings but that hasn’t been verified. DeBoer has taken two teams, the New Jersey Devils (2012) and San Jose Sharks (2016) to the Stanley Cup final.

Rick Tocchet

Another name on the radar is Rick Tocchet, who could certainly be looked at by Detroit. Tocchet has been linked to jobs in the past, with multiple interviews last offseason.

Kirk Muller and Mike Vellucci

The Calgary Flames assistant coach has purportedly generated interest from the Flyers and Jets. Muller had a go around as the Carolina Hurricanes head coach nearly a decade ago.

Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Mike Vellucci has also interviewed with Philadelphia according to Elliotte Freidman. Vellucci has been an assistant with the Pens for two full seasons now. The Red Wings have not been linked to either coach as of yet.

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Jim Montgomery

The former Dallas bench boss has reportedly interest by the Flyers according to Friedman. Philly Hockey Now‘s Sam Carchidi wrote that he expects him to be interviewed sometime this week.

He has not been linked with Detroit. Montgomery is currently an assistant coach in St. Louis.

Brad Shaw

Seravalli also listed Shaw as another coach on the Blackhawks’ list. They recently asked Vancouver for permission to interview him, as Shaw is currently an assistant head coach with the Canucks and has coached as an assistant for several NHL clubs in the past.

Marc Savard

Savard is currently the bench boss for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires and has them in the OHL Final in just his first season. Jeff Marek said on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Savard was on “Jim Nill’s list” as a potential hire. Savard was an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues during the 2019-20 campaign. He stepped away in September 2020 and then was hired by Windsor in August 2021. Update: Savard recently tweeted this out following a Windsor victory:

Really proud of my @SpitsHockey club. ‘’If you believe, you can achieve”Long ways to go yet but the support from you the fans has been amazing and has given the boys so much energy !!! #GoSpits #LoudandProud #Whateveittakes @BostonBruins

— Marc Savard (@MSavvy91) June 7, 2022

The post Red Wings Coach Search Update: Version 3.0 appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

In the first edition of Detroit Hockey Now’s Coaching Update, there were a couple names not listed since there’s been no contact. But he may be right up the Detroit Red Wings’ alley.

But more on him in a second.

Barry Trotz, John Tortorella and even Rick Tocchet have all been named as potential replacements for Jeff Blashill. DHN’s Kevin Allen wrote that it’s expected that the Red Wings go with a tougher coach this time around.

All three meet that requirement. Because of their veteran coaching experience, they seem like potential fits.

But the longer it goes without Steve Yzerman naming a replacement, the more it seems that maybe the veteran coaches aren’t his target after all.

In terms of Trotz, there is no rush for him to take a job according to the most recent entry from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Freidman. Philadelphia, Dallas, Vegas, and Winnipeg have all spoken with him. Of those teams, where would Detroit fit?

The Red Wings have an offseason ahead that will likely be another small, but significant step forward. Does Trotz want to wait that out? Or would he prefer a team like Vegas, who is a Cup or bust mentality. Winnipeg is also a very likely option since Trotz is a native.

Tortorella is an interesting choice, one whose very name sends some fans into an absolute tizzy. Currently a commentator on ESPN, Tortorella has interviewed already with Philadelphia.

Truly the biggest question is would the sometimes prickly personality that Tortorella has shown at times mesh with Yzerman?

As Allen wrote a month ago, that many players thought Pittsburgh’s Mike Sullivan was tougher to play for than Tortorella. But just because he is that tougher coach, doesn’t mean that Yzerman will select him. As of now, there has been no conversation between Tortorella or the Red Wings.

Tocchet is currently a studio analyst with TNT and news on potential interviews has been scarce. But he too, was another coach that would push his players as a taskmaster.

But maybe the answer is still in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay May Provide the Red Wings’ Next Coach

Yzerman’s former club, the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion, may very be holding Detroit’s next head coach. Derek Lalonde seems like a natural fit for the Red Wings. Yzerman said quite a bit about the coach he seeks.

“I intend to look at all different avenues or different leagues or different backgrounds of coaches,” Yzerman said.  “I’m not going to restrict myself to any particular resume in who I determine the next coach will be.”

That’s not all Yzerman said.

“I think we’re just making a mistake if we limit ourselves to a specific criteria,” Yzerman said. “Just ‘cause a guy’s worked in the
league, it doesn’t entitle him to the right to get another job. Likewise, we shouldn’t exclude these young minds, whether it’s a
Sheldon Keefe or say, Jon Cooper.”

It’s the obvious: Yzerman is going to do his due diligence. And so they wait.

Which brings it back to Lalonde. Yzerman was still at the top of Tampa Bay’s organization when Lalonde was brought into the fold. He’s helped the team to back-to-back Cups and obviously still in it battling for a third.

Of some of the work written about him, Lalonde is described in an article written by the Athletic’s Joe Smith as the “yin to Cooper’s yang.”

Pretty high praise. With a comfort of knowing the type of coach and human he’s getting, Lalonde seems like almost the most natural leader on Yzerman’s list.

But taking into account how Yzerman is approaching it, and likely that Lalonde will be sought by several teams, a reunion might not be a slam dunk.

One Other Name To Keep an Eye On

The Chicago Wolves dominated the AHL from the November through their game one tilt tonight against Stockton. The Wolves are led by Ryan Warsofsky, who has led Carolina’s AHL affiliates for two seasons now. (Last season with the Checkers and this season with the Wolves).

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Warsofsky is just 34-years-old and has seen success in both the ECHL and the AHL. In fact, his Wolves team this season set the all-time organization record with a .724 winning percentage. If they go out and win the Calder Cup, you have to figure other teams beyond the Red Wings will be calling.

Of course, Carolina can block access and that wouldn’t be surprising in the least.

The veteran coaches certainly have experience and the toughness Yzerman seeks. But he’ll wait as long as he has to, in doing his due diligence, to move the team another step forward with the right voice.

The post As Veteran Coaches Wait, the Red Wings are Clearly Being Patient appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.