Torts Takes Over

Veteran Head Coach John Tortorella has signed a 3 year deal with the Sens to help usher in a new era in Ottawa. The "no nonsense" bench boss is expected to bring a new standard of accountability to the organization. 

The move raised eye brows in lieu of out-going Head Coach, Don Granato, who signed a 3-year deal with Ottawa, only 9 months prior. Reports suggest that the interest from Tortorella's camp caused Ottawa to act quick on an already-soured relationship with Granato.

Sources cite two primary reasons:

1. The relationship between the Sens front office and Don Granato was hindered when his camp caught wind that newly hired AHL Head Coach Jeremy Colliton would have a higher salary. This would have been an unorthodox situation, to say the least.
2. The appeal of John Tortorella’s pedigree and his ability to hold players accountable was too much for Ottawa’s brass to ignore. 

Senators GM and President of Hockey Operations Cole Bates stated the following:

“We would like to thank Don Granato for his contributions in short and difficult tenure. It's no secret Donny never really got a fair shake here. Our club was not set up for success last season, that's on me. We felt our exit meetings exhoed a sentiment of needing a new voice. We chose to act swiftly on that given the pedigree of John and his mutual interest in Ottawa."

Tortorella, a veteran EHE Coach with 8 seasons under his belt, is set to return tothe league for the first time since 2021. The Tortorella-Bates connection goes back to 2019, where the duo worked together in New Jersey, before Bates would ultimately step down due to personal reasons. Familiarity certainly played a factor in convincing Tortorella to return to the bench after a 3-year hiatus from the EHE.

Bates gushed over his admiration and respect for the controversial American-born Coach.

"He wears his heart on his sleeve and it trickles down to the players. Our young players will learn how to be pros and will be held accountable as such. Were a rebuilding club for now, but the importance of learning to compete and play the right way will be integral to the blue print moving forward."

Questions still remain to be answered on how the young Senator players will respond to the demanding coaching stlye and fiery attitude their polarizing new Head Coach has become synonomous with. 

It's not just the players either, media members ought to buckle up too, as nobody will be off the table.

"It's time to set a new standard in Ottawa. We believe Torts will be instrumental in building the culture and passion we aspire to have moving forward."