What's next for John Tortorella following Flyers exit?

He finishes 97-107-33 across three seasons in Philadelphia. The Flyers notably overachieved last season, sitting in a playoff spot for much of the 2023-24 season as a team many believed would be a favorite to finish worst in the NHL. A late-season collapse led to the Flyers missing the playoffs, with a loss to Washington on the season's final day.

Tortorella has the ninth-most wins in NHL history as a coach split across 23 seasons with Tampa Bay (seven), New York Rangers (six), Columbus Blue Jackets (six), Philadelphia (three) and Vancouver (one). 

He's known for his gruff, blunt demeanor and a commitment to defensive zone structure and shot blocking. Over the years, he's also clashed a few times with his players, media and opposition players and coaches.

The end of Tortorella's time in Philadelphia follows a postgame news conference after Philadelphia's 7-2 loss to Toronto on Tuesday, where the American-born firebrand let his frustrations with the season be well known.

Tortorella, 66, has been a mainstay behind NHL benches since his first full-time head-coaching job in Tampa. He has coached in all but two NHL seasons since taking over Tampa Bay ahead of the 2000-01 season.

He spent one season as an ESPN analyst between the end of his stint in Columbus and his hiring in Philadelphia. 

So, what's next? Could Tortorella have suitors in the offseason?

New York Rangers

The Rangers are amid a nightmarish follow-up to last season's President's Trophy win and run to the Eastern Conference Final. Tortorella took New York to the Eastern Conference Final twice in a six-year stint with the much-beloved "Black and Blueshirts" — a team known for its uncanny commitment to blocking almost any shot no matter the cost. 

Part of the criticism of the Rangers this season has been their disastrous defensive play, 31st in the NHL by Natural Stat Trick's high-danger chances allowed per 60 minutes. 

Buffalo Sabres

Tortorella is known to grind guys down but tends to get the most out of them — particularly on defense. Buffalo is tied with the NFL's New York Jets for the longest playoff drought in North American sports. 

It hasn't moved on from first-year head coach Lindy Ruff, but it is in the midst of a 29-35-6 campaign in a season in which it was expected to finally take the next step. 

Tortorella has not coached a playoff team since the 2019-20 season in Columbus, but his reputation for maximizing talent would be appealing for fans of the perennial underachievers. 

Boston Bruins

Boston fired Jim Montgomery following a rough 8-9-3 start to the season. Things haven't gotten much better under interim head coach Joe Sacco. 

While Boston is working on getting younger, a full rebuild doesn't seem likely for a team that just gave out mega contract extensions to superstar winger David Pastrnak and goaltender Jeremy Swayman. 

Whether Boston would have interest is another question, but this is a job that could attract Tortorella when you consider how important defense has been to the organizational DNA.

Assistant coach Brad Shaw will finish the season as Philadelphia's interim head coach.