John Tortorella joining ESPN to become NHL analyst

John Tortorella has opted to take a cushy broadcasting job instead of being behind an NHL bench next season.

It has been confirmed that the longtime NHL bench boss will join ESPN to serve as a studio analyst. He will be part of a star studded broadcast team that includes the likes of Mark Messier and Ray Ferraro as the network prepares to broadcast the NHL for the first time in decades due to a new TV deal.

Tortorella, 63, had served as the Columbus Blue Jackets head coach for the past six seasons. He and the team mutually parted ways after a dismal 2020/21 campaign that ended with a 18-26-12 record.

He previously had worked with Canadian sports network TSN in the late 2000’s and also once again prior to his Blue Jackets coaching gig.