John Tortorella is “pissed off” about criticism of Flyers this offseason

Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher has made some questionable moves this offseason, moves that haven't exactly inspired confidence amongst the team's fanbase.

While the Flyers were rumored to be the preferred destination for free agent superstar Johnny Gaudreau... a contract offer for Johnny Hockey never materialized. Instead, Fletcher has spent his offseason hiring controversial head coach John Tortorella and acquiring controversial defenseman Tony DeAngelo. These moves received mixed reactions from Flyers fans. The dumping of cancer survivor Oskar Lindblom was met with almost universal disappointment from Flyers fans. So... to put things bluntly, it's been an awful offseason for Fletcher and the Flyers. But, you know what? Torts doesn't wanna hear it.

Tortorella's hiring in Philly promises to deliver fireworks for hockey fans everywhere and the fiery head coach made headlines earlier today with some of his quotes in an exclusive interview with NBC Sports Philadelphia.

"I'm a little pissed off about some of the things said about a couple of the players and Tony DeAngelo, at least some of the things I've read," Tortorella told the broadcaster. "I haven't read them all, I don't spend my day trying to listen to everybody, what they're talking about. I've got to see the players play. I know you're talking about free agency, I know that Chuck has been criticized through the free agent time here."

In other words, 'shut your mouths until we hit the ice.'

"The thing that bothers me and some of the things I've read is people are upset about Tony DeAngelo," Tortorella said. "Tony DeAngelo's a hell of a player, Tony DeAngelo has personality. Is he going to say and do some stupid stuff? You're damn right he is. But I'd rather have a guy doing stupid stuff than having a choir boy here just going about your business. You don't win that way, you don't win championships, you don't build a team without any personality. Tony's going to bring that and, plus, he's a hell of a player.

Tortorella continued to discuss the Flyers' offseason and he even commented on the team's absolute whiffing of Gaudreau in free agency.

"But everybody's upset about Johnny G, that Johnny G wasn't signed. Any general manager would be interested in a guy like that and I'm sure Chuck was. But there's sometimes the lay of the land, where your contracts are at, where your cap's at and where your team's at, quite honestly. Is it time to sign a free agent like that? I think we have a little bit of building to do here and a little bit of growing."

It's true that the Flyers haven't made the big splash that fans have been expecting, but to Torts that's all nonsense and it pisses him off.

"It pisses me off, some of the things that have been said about those guys because I think everybody wanted the big splash. Well, we have to wait our turn for that big splash. We still have some things to do with our foundation of the team and maybe when our cap releases and contracts are moved or things are sorted out that way, maybe that's when you look for that."

Look out, Philly... Torts is coming in hot.