PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
February 13, 2024 (9:09)
Photo credit: Philly Hockey Now
For better or worse, when Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella makes an assessment of your character, and doesn't like what he sees, he sticks to his guns on it. A Flyers reporter has had to learn that the hard way.
Following the Flyers 5-3 win over the Arizona Coyotes last night, Tortorella was taking questions from reporters when a follow-up to the one he just answered came from Anthony SanFilipo. Or, more accurately, he tried to ask a follow up. Tortorella completely shut him down before he could even get all of the words out of his mouth.
"I'm not answering your questions," said Tortorella
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That was essentially it. No explanation was needed as SanFilipo is well aware of why Tortorella isn't happy with him.
Reporter Gets Officially Blacklisted by Flyers Head Coach John Tortorella
This all stems from the trade by Philadelphia of top prospect and the 5th overall pick in 2022 Cutter Gauthier. Gauthier refused to sign an entry-level contract with the team and formed GM Danny Briere to trade him. He ended up with the Anaheim Ducks. At the time, there was plenty of speculation over why Gauthier refused to sign with Philly. SanFilipo took it upon himself to say he was told by a source that former Flyer Kevin Hayes, who had a disagreement with Tortorella while he was in Philadelphia, convinced Gauthier not to sign here. Hayes completely denied the rumours, and Tortorella let SanFilipo have it at the next news conference.
"Is the guy here that caused Kevin Hayes a problem?" Tortorella asked.
"Yes," answered SanFilipo
"Are you kidding me? You think Kevin Hayes is going to do something like that? It just pisses me off that you guys throw that around and affect someone's life. Kevin Hayes and I had a problem and we couldn't come to an agreement 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. You're going to sit there and say you have the right sources."
John Tortorella Completely Rejects Reporter's Question during New Conference
Given Tortorella's history of sticking to his decisions no matter what, SanFilipo could be waiting until a new head coach is brought into Philadelphia before he gets a question answered again.
Previously on Daily Hockey Dose
POLL |
13 FEVRIER | 589 ANSWERS Philadelphia Flyers Reporter Officially Blacklisted by John Tortorella Is Tortorella right to do this? |
Absolutely | 374 | 63.5 % |
No | 132 | 22.4 % |
I'm not sure | 83 | 14.1 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
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