Blues high on Tortorella...possible 2nd in waiting sort of move?
Let me get started by editorializing a bit here:



What are the Lightning doing?   Did they really fire John Tortorella with the intention of hiring Barry Melrose?    Do they really think that Melrose is somehow more attractive to a perspective buyer than a proven Cup winner in Tortorella?
Let me get started by editorializing a bit here:



What are the Lightning doing?   Did they really fire John Tortorella with the intention of hiring Barry Melrose?    Do they really think that Melrose is somehow more attractive to a perspective buyer than a proven Cup winner in Tortorella?



Barry Melrose will play well on ESPN.   They will cover the move because Barry Melrose is all ESPN knows about the NHL anymore...but even modest hockey fans know that Barry Melrose is a poor-man's Don Cherry these days.   He's a mascot.   He's not taken seriously...at least by fans that closely follow the game.     Melrose was a solid but unspectacular motivator in his day...but he's been out of the game since April of 1995...yes 13 years. 



In short, we here @ e67 think it's a pretty poor move.





Now onto the real news:   Sources have reported that highly ranking Blues officialls (they don't get much higher) think the world of Tortorella...so much so that they're already discussing trying to find a Doug Armstrong-like role for him.    This might not play well with Andy Murray who still 2 years left on his deal...but ultimately the playoff successes and the style of Tortorella is more of what the Blues brass are looking for.



The issues remaining with bringing him onboard are plenty:

1. What would he do?   It's not likely that Murray would want Tortorella as an assistant on his staff...so a coaching job is not likely.    It would also be tough to give him an executive title for fear of further alienating one of the Franchise's greatest assets: Jarmo Kekalainen.



2. If he does want to come in, can they afford to pay him competitively...especially when he'd be in an assistant or advisory role?



3. What's to keep him from taking a job like San Jose, when some think they are only missing a coach as the final piece to the puzzle (not this reporter)?



4. Does Tortorella want to take a year off?   Perhaps he simply would like to stay home and feel out the market next year.





It might happen, or it might not...but I'm told it's being discussed that many within the orginization would like Tortorella to be the next coach of the Blues.

Tortorella knows goaltending.

I hope you guys go get Tort so a good team like San Jose doesn't end up with him.

So, anyone who knows anything about Tortorella...please post your thoughts about him.  My knowledge is limited to: (a) he's won a cup, and (b) he's pretty intense.  I like those two qualities immensely with respect to a potential association with the Blues.

BBZ / all...what does the Blues' brass like about this guy?  Would he be a good shepherd for our young flock in the years ahead?

TSN reported late last night that San Jose has requested permission to speak with Tortorella about their head coaching vacancy.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=239769&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

I'm confused.  If he's been fired, who in the fuck do they have to ask permission from in order to speak to him - his wife?

while he has been let go, there is still one year remaining on his contract.  so, tampa bay owns his "rights" so to speak.  that's my understanding.

I'd shit can Murray in a second to get Tortillaerella.......Murray looks like he is going to die behind the bench.....soon

Is Torts still out there, or did I miss him getting hired by someone?

BBZ, what are your sources telling you lately about any potential chance to get JT behind the Blues' bench in some capacity?

Murray will be fine during the regular season and the Blues will make the playoffs......that is when the SCHEME will return