Tortorella Speaks on Flyers Trade Rumors: ‘It is what it is’

Even for Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella, this time of the year is a hard one to ignore. Especially so when considering the reality of the situation.

A team with a homogenous mix of young players and older veterans, the Flyers were always expected to sell off some grey hairs by the 2024 NHL trade deadline. Well, with only four weeks to go until then, that time is almost here.

Philadelphia has seen a number of players linked in trade rumors throughout the year. Nick Seeler, Sean Walker, Rasmus Ristolainen, and now, Scott Laughton, headline that group. Laughton, who represented his team with an ‘A’ on his chest all year, could see the Flyers trade him in an effort to get younger and, in the future, better.

As stoic as ever, Tortorella didn’t have a whole lot to say about the situation. “It is what it is,” he said matter-of-factly.

“We can’t look for things not to continue our process,” Tortorella added. “We have so many things to do, so much more of the process to build this team, that we can’t be getting too emotional. If it’s the best thing for the future of our team and building it the proper way, we have to follow through. We have to.”

The team’s leadership has made it clear that they won’t stand in the way of the future. The only to accelerate that process, well, is if the Flyers trade for more picks and young players. Trades, as we know, aren’t one-sided affairs where you get stuff for free. That’s the hard part of the business.

Tortorella did nothing to dismiss the Laughton trade rumors, or any other Flyers trade rumors, for that matter. It is admirable, though, that the veteran coach and those who stand behind him are committing to the bit.

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