The Philadelphia Flyers parted ways with coach John Tortorella Thursday, ending his time in Philly after nearly three years. 

The Flyers named associate coach Brad Shaw as their interim coach, but speculation about the long-term replacement for Tortorella already picked up steam after the initial announcement.

Here are four candidates to replace Tortorella as the permanent Flyers coach:

1. Brad Shaw

A longtime Tortorella assistant, Shaw will get the final nine games of the season to make a case for himself as the Flyers’ coach. 

Shaw had an 18-18-4 record as an interim coach of the New York Islanders in 2006. Since that time, he’s served as an associate coach of the St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks before joining Tortorella’s staff in Philadelphia in July 2022.

The Flyers may ultimately go in another direction when they revisit the job this summer. But Shaw has the advantage of familiarity with the team and the youth movement started by GM Daniel Briere. He’s more of a defensive specialist, but he’s been known to have more give-and-take and collaboration with Flyers players.

2. Ian Laperriere

As the current coach of AHL Lehigh Valley, where he’s had the job since June of 2021, Laperriere is working with some of the youngsters who will be part of the Flyers’ long-term future. He was also an assistant coach for the Flyers from 2013-14 to 2020-21.

During his time as an NHL player, Laperriere was known as a character guy who embodied the physically robust style that fits well with the Broad Street Bully culture Briere is trying to build. As such, he’d instantly have the respect of everyone in the Flyers’ dressing room.

The Flyers are looking to build for the future with their players, but the same can be said for their coaching and management staff. Laperriere might be the favorite at this point, but depending on who comes available on the coaching market this summer, another coach might leapfrog Laperriere in the lineup for the Flyers job.

Tortorella Gone, But Many Flyers Problems Remain John Tortorella has a lot of redeeming qualities, including the fact he develops a culture with his hard-driving, old-school style.

3. David Carle

While he’s only 35 years old, Carle is one of the most highly regarded coaches who could be in the NHL sooner than later. 

Carle has won two NCAA national championships at the University of Denver, and he was Team USA’s coach in the last two World Junior Championships, both wins. He’s able to relate to the players with his messaging and eye for the game.

Carle could have his pick of a number of NHL jobs, but the opportunity to be the bench boss of an up-and-coming Flyers squad could be very appealing.

Working alongside a young GM in Briere would have a nice symbiotic relationship for Carle. He’d need a good deal of job security to leave Denver, but that’s something Briere and the Flyers can offer him. 

If he can get the Flyers into a playoff position in his first year running Philadelphia’s bench, he’s going to earn himself a lot of landing strip to get the job done in the years to come.

4. Mitch Love

Love’s served as the Washington Capitals’ assistant coach since June 2023. The Caps’ success reflects well on Washington’s coaching staff, and Love’s solid work with the Capitals’ defensemen is just what the doctor ordered for a Flyers team that has the league’s fifth-most goals against per game.

Love’s ability to add structure and focus is one of the reasons the Caps have thrived this season, and he would likely jump at the opportunity to guide a squad that isn’t all that far off from being a legitimate playoff contender.

Jonathan Bailey also ranked five coaching candidates on The Hockey News’ Flyers site. Check it out here.

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