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Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella sent a letter to season-ticket holders on Monday saying while he’s pleased by the team’s effort, the organization has work to do to fulfill his vision.

“I’m not going to lie to you — and I want to be clear about this — we’re not there yet,” Tortorella wrote in the letter, obtained by ESPN. “This year was the first step in building the future of the Flyers and restoring our reputation as one of the most respected teams in hockey.”

Philadelphia returns from the All-Star break in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division but only six points out of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot. However, Tortorella’s letter suggested the organization is focused on a long-term approach and could be sellers ahead of the March 3 trade deadline.

According to sources, Philadelphia is fielding calls about several players, including pending unrestricted free agent James Van Riemsdyk, who has 21 points in 31 games this season — though the Flyers would likely have to retain some of Van Riemsdyk’s $7 million salary in a trade.

Philadelphia has been looking into trading defenseman Ivan Provorov this season, per multiple sources, though a rival NHL executive told ESPN there is more league-wide interest in depth defenseman Nick Seeler — who could be moved to open up playing time for younger players over the final stretch.

Tortorella praised the way his team has “consistently responded to the challenges we’ve faced.” The coach said the team has “some kids who have impressed me. Some who have taken on heavy minutes and big responsibilities,” adding that “this development of our young players is absolutely crucial for our future.”

The coach also admitted he has “challenged the veterans on the team” and said he has been happy with how they’ve responded.

Tortorella, the two-time Jack Adams Award winner, is in the first year of a four-year contract with Philadelphia. He has openly talked about establishing an identity from day one, which began with a physically demanding training camp and continued with healthy scratches of veteran players like Tony DeAngelo, Kevin Hayes and Rasmus Ristolainen.

The coach wrote that midway through the season, he’s going to see how his group responds to the grueling schedule ahead.

“This excites me because I can promise you this — the answers to those questions will come,” Tortorella wrote. “You and I will find out together, and we’ll be an even tougher team for having gone through it. That’s because we’re in the midst of establishing an identity. Not just any identity — but an identity that reflects the city of Philadelphia and the proud history of the Flyers organization.”

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‘Gritty’ McBain secures 5-year deal from Mammoth

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'Gritty' McBain secures 5-year deal from Mammoth

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Mammoth re-signed center Jack McBain to a five-year contract worth $21.25 million on Monday.

McBain will count $4.25 million against the salary cap through the 2029-30 NHL season, which was announced a little more than 24 hours since the team elected salary arbitration with the restricted free agent forward.

“He is a big, strong, physical player who competes hard on a nightly basis and brings a gritty toughness to our group,” general manager Bill Armstrong said. “Jack is an important part of the championship-caliber team we are building, and we look forward to having him back on our roster for the foreseeable future.”

McBain, 25, is coming off setting a career high with 27 points and playing all 82 games. He was one of six players to skate in every game of the organization’s first season in Salt Lake City.

“Jack’s versatility as a player, his care for his teammates and his demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to win, are all critical elements to our future team success,” president of hockey operations Chris Armstrong said.

McBain has 82 points in 241 games with the franchise, which moved to Utah from Arizona. Since debuting in April 2022, he ranks third in the league with 832 hits.

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Johnson, 2-time Cup winner with Lightning, retires

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Johnson, 2-time Cup winner with Lightning, retires

Tyler Johnson has announced his retirement after playing 13 NHL seasons and winning the Stanley Cup twice with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Johnson called it a career in a lengthy message posted on social media Monday. Johnson had battled injuries in recent years and is set to turn 35 on July 29.

“As a short kid from a small town, I saw my chances of playing in the NHL as very slim,” Johnson wrote on Instagram. “But my family — my parents, Ken and Debbie, and my grandparents — believed in me when doubt clouded my mind. Their unwavering faith turned that dream into reality.”

Listed at 5-foot-8 and 191 pounds, Johnson won at just about ever level, capturing the Western Hockey League and Memorial Cup championships in 2008 with his hometown Spokane Chiefs and the Calder Cup championship with Norfolk of the American Hockey League in 2012.

The NHL brought more success, as he skated in 863 regular-season and playoff games since debuting in the league in 2013, putting up 498 points. Johnson was part of the Lightning’s core when they reached the final in 2015 and helped them hoist the Cup back to back in 2020 and ’21.

Johnson finished with Chicago, playing three seasons with the Blackhawks, and Boston, signing with the Bruins early last season following his training camp tryout.

“After a lifetime devoted to hockey, I’m ready for what’s next,” Johnson said. “This moment is bittersweet, but I leave the game with no regrets.”

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‘Workhorse’ York nets five-year deal from Flyers

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'Workhorse' York nets five-year deal from Flyers

Cam York and the Philadelphia Flyers agreed to terms Monday on a five-year contract worth $25.75 million, with re-signing the restricted free agent defenseman completing perhaps the team’s last important piece of offseason business.

York, 25, will count $5.15 million against the salary cap through the 2029-30 NHL season. That price could turn out to be a bargain with the upper limit rising from $88 million this past season to $113.5 million by 2027-28.

“Cam has been a workhorse for our team over the last few seasons,” general manager Danny Briere said. “We’re excited by his development and look forward to his continued growth and emergence as a young leader within our group.”

The Flyers are trying to shift from rebuilding to contending, and York was the final player on the roster without a contract. They acquired Trevor Zegras in a trade from Anaheim last month and signed fellow center Christian Dvorak and backup goaltender Dan Vladar on the first day of free agency.

York, the 14th pick in the 2019 draft, has skated nearly 21 minutes a game so far in his pro career, all with Philadelphia. He has 77 points in 235 games for the Flyers, who have not made the playoffs since 2020.

“I believe in this team, and I love the direction we are heading,” York said. “I couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey and build something special together.”

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