John Tortorella is not one to mince words, he never has been. He came to the Flyers and was honest about his thoughts in regard to the team’s culture. He was going to work this team as hard as he could to determine who couldn’t make it and who couldn’t.
He has made his message clear on numerous occasions, letting his players know exactly where they stand. He’s benched, cut ice time, and even scratched some of the team’s highest paid players. And instead of blasting them to the media, he has kept those conversations between him and each player. Of course he’s talked about struggles, but he hasn’t thrown anyone under the bus.
But he has also publicly stood up for them as well. He will not let anyone talk down on the Flyers when he feels that are giving all they have. Tortorella has come as advertised.
That brings us to the reported news that Joel Farabee’s camp is displeased with how the season has gone for him. As he has done with other players, Tortorella hasn’t shied away from cutting and benching Farabee recently. Neither he nor Farabee are hiding behind the injury excuse after the Flyers’ winger underwent disc replacement surgery over the offseason.
And both addressed the rumors during and after the Flyers morning skate on Friday morning. Farabee talked about how missing the entire summer to train was tough, but it hasn’t been an excuse for him and his play.
"“My play hasn’t been good and I’m fully aware of that. I put a lot of my pressure on myself to be a good player on this team and to help out. And right now I’m not. Definitely some mental challenges, too, but for me, you can’t look at that, you can’t look at the big picture. All I’m really focusing on is tonight.”"
Farabee also added that if he had the chance to go back, he would do everything exactly the same in terms of not missing a game. He didn’t feel like it was necessary to sit out any time at all. Farabee also mentioned that he didn’t feel like he was being limited at all in terms of the opportunities he has been given on the ice.
"“I love playing here, I love the city, my dad’s from here. A lot of family ties and things like that. I have no complaints. I really love playing here.”"
Tortorella was his usual blunt self when asked about the rumors that came out yesterday.
“This is news to me. Is his agent popping off that he’s pissed off? He should shut up.”
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) February 24, 2023
- John Tortorella on the report about Joel Farabee’s camp (presumably his agent) being frustrated with how season has unfolded under Tortorella
That’s the Tortorella we all know. He then showed support for Farabee and did cut him some slack in terms in terms of evaluating his season because of the injury. He wasn’t able to get stronger during the off-season and it’s something that can’t be done during the year.
Things have been up and down and Farabee has been inconsistent. But, he is still an important piece to this team.
"“I think he’s really important here. Judging from people have told me how he plays and what they expect out of him, he’s a really important guy because I think it gives you another offensive guy that can help you out maybe on a couple of lines, trying to get two offensive lines as we push forward here. I still hold that thought.”"
Tortorella stressed that he has in no way given up on Farabee. He has plenty of versatility and can help in different parts of the lineup as he mentioned.
There is a strong chance that Farabee will bounce back next season as a healthy offseason lies ahead. Gaining confidence and adding some much needed muscle can go a long way for what Farabee can give the Flyers next season.