Things didn’t go as planned for the New York Rangers this season. The team finished fifth in the Metropolitan Division and narrowly missed out on a Stanley Cup Playoffs berth. Subsequently, their then-coach, Peter Laviolette, was fired after the team failed to progress through. After his dismissal, the Rangers were linked with many big names, including controversial coach John Tortorella. This didn’t go down well with the Rangers fans, who took to social media to vent their frustration.

Earlier today, Mike Sullivan was announced as the Rangers’ new head coach from the next season. Additionally, Tortorella is also rumored to be joining the Rangers and Sullivan, albeit in a different role. Interestingly, both Sullivan and Tortorella have worked together before at the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year.

Tortorella worked under Sullivan for Team USA at that tournament, where they finished second behind Canada. However, New York Rangers fans do not want Tortorella in the team due to his controversial past.

Most recently, he was the head coach of the Flyers, but their association ended in March 2025. And well, it wasn’t the most pleasant of departures. Tortorella had a verbal altercation with defenseman Cam York and also made negative comments about his team’s rebuild. Thus, he was dismissed from his charge as the Flyers finished at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. But as the rumors swirl, fans have been voicing their frustrations

Fans oppose John Tortorella’s New York Rangers link-up

With Tortorella being no stranger to New York, there were strong rumors that he could join the Rangers in some role or the other. Additionally, he also knows both James Dolan and GM Chris Drury very well, further strengthening his case for joining the team. However, the fans strongly opposed these rumors, and a fan asked, “To what benefit? That is nonsense.” The fan saw no advantage of Tortorella joining the team, especially after Sullivan’s appointment.

Further, another fan also questioned if the Rangers would really go on and hire Tortorella’s services. “Why would the #Rangers do that? What value does Torts provide an #nhl team in 2025… I think his time behind an NHL bench is over,” a fan commented, as he was unsure about his role in the team.

Meanwhile, a fan wished to see the controversial coach in the Rangers team, albeit in a different role. The fan said, “Personally I’d love to see Sully and Torts behind the bench, but Torts isn’t a coach. Just there having peanuts and snacks behind the game he loves so much.” If the rumors are to be believed, he could join the team in an ancillary role.

Subsequently, a section of the fans also took a sarcastic dig at the rumors as they strongly condemned the idea of Tortorella linking up with the Rangers. “NYR aren’t run well enough to make a great move like that,” a fan wrote, mocking the team’s management and Tortorella’s rumor. Lastly, one of the fans strongly objected to the idea of the controversial coach in the Rangers team. The fan clearly stated, “Don’t ruin my Friday bro,” hoping to see that the rumor turns out to be false.

With Sullivan’s appointment done at the right time, the New York Rangers would look to build on the foundation he sets for the next season. However, the big question remains, will Tortorella be seen in the Rangers team?