John Tortorella and Morgan Frost Build On Extensive Relationship
Flyers Head Coach and Morgan Frost were able to find common ground after a private meeting on Friday. "I had some things I wanted to kind of get off my chest."
Yong Kim-The Philadelphia Inquirer - John Tortorella and Morgan Frost Build On Extensive RelationshipMorgan Frost, 24, signed a two-year, $4.2 million contract with the club prior to training camp, after an extensive back and forth with Frost's camp. According to multiple sources, the Philadelphia Flyers explored trade options for the Aurora, Ontario native over the summer. Nothing was settled, but multiple teams piqued interest.
Three months ago, in October 2023, Frost was on a short leash with head coach John Tortorella, forcing a crossroads in their relationship. The Flyers bench boss stuck to his guns, sending a constant message to Frost, letting him freeze in the doghouse for 11 games this season.
After signing his new contract, Frost has played 27 out of 38 games this season. Tortorella has held his players accountable all season. He felt as though Frost was not meeting expectations. Since the Halloween drama, things appeared to settle down. Frost was regularly back in the lineup—albeit because Noah Cates was out 6-8 weeks.
Nonetheless, he was scratched for the 11th time this season, alongside Cam Atkinson, 34, on Thursday in a 3-2 OT loss at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Flyers faithful and Frost supporters question Tortorella and where the two stand in their complicated relationship, especially with the long stint of being at each other's throats dating back to last season. Despite recording six points (two goals, four assists) over his last 11 games, Frost was held out of the lineup.
He slotted back in on Jan. 6 at home against Calgary, contributing with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win over the Flames. He was very noticeable during Saturday's game, which I imagine will go a long way, especially after speaking with Tortorella.
Compared to previous messages sent, the most recent one sparked a conversation between the two corresponding individuals. Similar to back in October, Frost took it on the chin and held his head high. This time around, before the morning skate on Friday, Frost approached Tortorella to discuss the decision to sit him.
Tortorella was more than pleased that Frost approached him, actually "thrilled," as he did. NBCSP journalist Jordan Hall and the media asked Tortorella about the meeting. "Today was really a good, honest conversation of what's happening now and just kind of big-picture stuff," Tortorella said. "He's the one who wanted the meeting. For me, I was thrilled that he came in and wanted to talk and gave me some of his thoughts, not agreeing."
Although Frosty was not pleased with his coaches' decisions, he respectfully expressed dissatisfaction with Tortorella's choices throughout the season, bleeding into Thursday.
"That's a huge step for me with Frosty, him coming in and saying, 'You know what, this is what I think.' It's so important that players do that. It creates a bit of a path for him and I as we try to go through this." Tortorella said.
Able to speak on his own behalf about his closed door meeting with the coach, Frost said after Saturday's game that he wanted to clear the air and that their conversation was "nothing crazy."
"I had some things I wanted to kind of get off my chest, good back and forth," Frost told the media after Saturday's win over Calgary. "Just to go in there and speak my mind, hear his thoughts, hash everything out was good."
It was a big stepping stone for both sides. Frost said Tortorella is always honest and will let you know where you stand as a player and what he needs from you. "I thought it was a good conversation. He's always gonna be honest... sometimes I think that's all it takes to go into his office, and he respects that."
The meeting may be a turning point for them and a sign of better things to come. Frost with a chip on his shoulder after showing some pushback with Torts, a turning point. He is providing reason that he should be in the lineup when Cates is able to return in less than a week.
Personal Column: My personal opinions on Frost have spiralled over the past couple of months, and I agreed with the choice to bench him. However, his game has improved, I'll give him credit. If he can continue this play consistently, there may be something there for the Flyers when push comes to shove.