Yes, yes I’m going there. I’m sure I’m not going to be alone in publishing a story like this on their blog. I believe that amongst the many things on the Rangers offseason list, a reunion with John Tortorella should be at the top. You may think it’s too soon to start this conversation, after all the season isn’t over yet, but it’s hard to imagine a world where Peter Laviolette returns next year.

That is not to say I feel this failure of a season is all on the shoulders of Peter Laviolette. In fact I feel that he’s yet another victim of this groups lazy and frankly horrendous play all year long. This team quit on everyone from the GM, to the coach, and to the fans. Laviolette is guilty of not running his team as a meritocracy down the stretch, with a dependence on his underachieving veterans. Sure most coaches are like that, but there’s no denying that other players, lower in the lineup, are contributing more. That isn’t necessarily a fireable offense, but I think this change is needed along with many others to change the vibe.

This team needs to reclaim an identity and play a simpler game. For several years they have been a skillful team that looks to dazzle the opponent with high end talent. In some fairness, that has served them well, with three straight 100 point seasons, and two trips to the conference finals. But their stubbornness when it comes to changing their approach and lack of well rounded depth players has been their undoing. Of course, a contending team needs explosive high end players, as they can break a big game, but they also have to be willing to go to the hard areas to win. This group ultimately hasn’t done that.

What a Torts reunion would bring is a return to structured, consistent defensive play, with a defined character and identity. He is not the dinosaur his critics make him out to be, but his “my way or the highway” approach will at the minimum set a tone for this team regularly. Perhaps this where his ability to change a culture also helps, as this team that mostly lacks fire, could use some of his trademark spirit. While his Flyers underwhelmed in 24-25, he got a lot out of a little in 23-24, missing out on the playoffs on the last night of the season. His time in Columbus was a rousing success, and he of course won his cup in Tampa, but his first stint in New York was maybe his best work. Torts “black and blueshirts” played with an attitude the fans could love, showing up to win a street fight on 34th street on a regular basis.

Yes, I know the powerplay was mostly underwhelming during his tenure. Yes, I know he has a shelf life that expires quick behind the bench. But why should that stop you from hiring him? After all the powerplay can’t possibly get worse than it is now and if you’re trying to win next year, then who cares about the shelf life? Tortorella is a proven winner, who continues to evolve as his career progresses. He demands a lot, but backs his players in almost all situations as well, which has frankly been the trait of his that has made his organizations better along the way. As Flyers GM Danny Briere said Thursday…

“Torts is a complicated man. He’s a complicated coach. He’s a blast to work with because he challenges you. I truly believe he made me a better GM. He’s not a ‘yes’ man,” Briere said. “He had opinions and he’s earned the right to share his opinion. We listened to him. But we felt it was time to move in a different direction.” – credit ESPN reporting

I’m not claiming Torts will be a magic bullet to solve everything here at all. This roster needs to continue its churn and the players that remain need to challenge themselves to improve. If that doesn’t happen, then 2025-2026 isn’t going to be much better than this season. Torts, should he be considered, probably won’t even be the front runner with names like Mike Sullivan, Bruce Boudreau and probably several more to be in the running. But, sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward…right Billy?

We’ll have continuing coverage of the Rangers season as it winds down in the days and weeks ahead, so stay tuned! On Twitter you can find Mike @Mike_Sheerin, Tyler @TMon_19 and Sean @SeanMartinNFL. Subscribe to the site by hitting the follow button in the bottom right corner and entering your email address. Check out our Instagram feed @thebroadwaybreakdownsports for special gameday and promotional content. Our podcasts are available on Spotify. Visit the Rangers Ed Shop by clicking the link on our homepage. Check out our mailbag page to join the conversation here on the site and on our partners show, The Rangers Ed Podcast! We’ll be back with more soon!