Long time bench boss John Tortorella reaches a fantastic accomplishment in his career.

John Tortorella has spent almost two and a half decades behind the bench in the National Hockey League (NHL). Typically known for his aggressive and old-school style, Tortorella has taken on a new challenge in Philadelphia.

Tortorella has shown he can play a role in developing players and has proven to be flexible during the two years as head coach for the Philadelphia Flyers. While still learning at 65, respectfully.

In Tortorella's extensive coaching career, he has been behind the bench for five NHL franchises: Tampa Bay Lightning (seven years), Columbus Blue Jackets (six years), New York Rangers (six years), Philadelphia Flyers (two years), and Vancouver Canucks (one-year). Between those clubs. He has a 722-590-37-149 record, which is good enough for a .544 winning percentage.

He earned his 723rd win on Thursday night against one of his former teams. The Vancouver Canucks, in a 4-1 victory. Moving him into tenth all-time among NHL coaches, surpassing former Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault.

The press asked Tortorella how he felt about coaching his 1,500 game, and he was very forthcoming and thankful to those who have helped him along the way. "I'm thankful that people have entrusted me to let me work with athletes. It's been my life. I appreciate people having a little faith in allowing me to work with them, that's all."

Tortorella has undoubtedly had a luxurious and extensive career, with one Stanley Cup and two Jack Adams Awards. He has coached 22 seasons from 1999 to 2023. Between five different clubs. Could Philadelphia be his last hurrah?

The 65-year-old is ninth among NHL all-time coaches in games coached and one of only four active coaches in the top 15. Tortorella most notably coached the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets, bringing them great success as their bench boss. He looks to regain that success with the orange and black. Which many believe to be his final chapter behind the players. In a coaching role, that is.

Multiple hockey insiders believe the Boston native may find a managerial role once his contract ends in 2025-26. Would that be with the Flyers? While questions remain unanswered. It sounds like he has found a home in Philadelphia.

Now mentoring a young rebuilding Flyers team, Tortorella is an early Jack Adams candidate. This should come as no surprise, adding to his incredible coaching career. After last season, it looked like it would take the Flyers countless years to get back on track. However, Tortorella has turned the ship around and has this club playing with "balls," as he would say. 

He is working with a younger group than accustomed to while carrying them to an 18-11-4 record into Christmas break. Tortorella has not just helped the young core, revamping the careers of Rasmus Ristolainen, Nick Seeler, Sean Walker, and Owen Tippett, among others. Not to mention improving Travis Konecny and Tavis Sanheim.

This is not the only time he has pulled a rabbit out of the hat. He has restructured numerous clubs during his time in the NHL. He is more than just a voice in the locker room. Most recently, the Flyers locker room has seen a change of pace in the past two years. Moral is at its peak, and the players love showing up to the arena everyday.

When asked what he likes about coaching, Tortorella said he loves being in the locker room. He thoroughly enjoys teaching and being around the players. "Teaching. The controversy, the conflicts. The good stuff. The winning. The losing, how to figure (it out)... I like being in that locker room, teaching them and being on the bench with them."

It would not be a John Tortorella quote without a zinger or two thrown in the mix, "Can't stand being out here with you guys [press]. I'd rather be in there right now. So can we end this?" Tortorella jokingly said to close out his presser.

John Tortorella will officially coach his 1,500 game on Friday, December 29th. In Seattle, Washington, when the Philadelphia Flyers pay a visit to the Seattle Kraken.

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