John Tortorella, a coach celebrated for his dynamic methods and boundless energy, is approaching the twilight of his coaching career. As the chapter draws to a close, both past and present players are shedding light on his lesser-known personal side.
Brandon Prust, a former NHL player, recently unveiled a surprising anecdote during his appearance on the Missin' Curfew podcast. The story harks back to the era when Tortorella was at the helm of the New York Rangers. In the midst of a challenging period for Brad Richards, Tortorella playfully proposed an offbeat remedy: suggesting that Richards explore unconventional avenues like trying out something wild, even alluding to the idea of using drugs, in jest, to break free from his performance slump.
While this episode is undoubtedly a humorous anecdote, it shines a light on Tortorella's distinct approach to building connections with his players. It serves as a testament to his idiosyncratic coaching style and serves as a reminder that beyond the public persona, Tortorella's coaching philosophy remains as distinctive and unparalleled as ever before.
