Columbus Blue Jackets president comments on John Tortorella seem to confirm rumors he will be moving on

Over the course of the last few weeks, the narrative coming out of Columbus is that this is John Tortorella’s last season with the Blue Jackets. Hockey Insider Darren Dreger recently stated that Tortorella is not expected back. The longtime coach of the Jackets will have his contract expire at the conclusion of the season and be looking for a new locker room to command.

Now what seems like speculation that the two sides are looking to mutually part ways is becoming clearer. In a recent interview with Aaron Portzline, president Mike Priest had some interesting comments on Torts.

Blue Jackets president talks highly of Tortorella but admits future in question

“Torts is a great coach. He’s proven that with his longevity and his record,” Priest began. “Like the coaches before him, each has played a role in getting us to where we are today. He has come here and created some identity.”

It isn’t lost on him how things have gone this season. “No one’s perfect, right? Some things are better, some things may not be better,” he said seemingly to take some blame away from Torts. “But overall he has really set a tone to bring the team together. I don’t subscribe to any one individual doing things, so when I say that things have come together … he meets with management on a regular basis. It’s really a team effort.”

Ultimately, and what makes me think Priest is acknowledging that the two sides will part ways is how he concluded his remarks on his current bench boss. “His honesty and his forthrightness have certainly helped this organization take things on, square off with ’em, be honest, be straightforward, get through it and move forward,”he explained. “He will be known, in our young history, as one of the best coaches we’ve had. Whatever transpires this summer between him and Jarmo, they have been a great team to move this organization forward.”

Tortorella and Jackets mutual parting expected