John Tortorella, in a recent press conference, gave a piece of his mind to reporter Anthony SanFilippo for spreading false rumors about Kevin Hayes, a former player for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella Strongly Criticizes Reporter for Spreading False Rumors
The Flyers traded the 2022 fifth overall pick to the Anaheim Ducks for Jamie Drysdale and a 2nd round draft pick after Gauthier told the Flyers' management he wouldn't play for them.
SanFilippo spreaded the rumor that Kevin Hayes influenced Cutter Gauthier's decision to refuse to play in Philedelphia. Since then, Hayes received a lot of hateful messages on social medias, including death treaths from angry fans.
Tortorella expressed his frustration and defended Hayes, with SanFilippo in the press room:
John Tortorella ripped into Anthony SanFilippo:
"Is the guy here that caused Kevin Hayes a problem?"
Yes.
"Are kidding me? Do you think Kevin Hayes is going to do something like that?
"It pisses me off that you guys throw that shit around and it affects someone's life. Kevin Hayes and I had a problem, we couldn't come to an agreement on how to play. That's a good man. That's a good man. And what you said is going to stay with him. That's what you guys don't understand. And you're going to sit there and say you have the right sources. I call bullshit."
Former Player Offers his Services to John Tortorella
Jason Demers, a former NHL player with a career spanning from 2009 to 2022 for the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Arizona Coyotes, and Edmonton Oilers, shared on Twitter that he's available if the Flyers need a defenseman.
"If the @NHLFlyers need a D-man I would pay to come play for Tortorella 🥹🥹 loved what he did backing Hayes! I'd run through a wall for this guy #putmeincoach"
With 214 points in 700 NHL games, the 35-year-old defenseman could be a valuable addition to the Flyers' roster.
Demers' experience and enthusiasm could be a significant asset in the Flyers' quest to the playoffs.