Frank Seravalli is reporting that former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft is seizing a possibility to be taught from an skilled coach in one other group whereas he waits for an opportunity to be a head coach within the NHL once more. Woodcroft is working with the Philadelphia Flyers, underneath John Tortorella, and hoping that he can develop his teaching data and appeal to curiosity in a brand new job.
Seravalli writes, “Jay Woodcroft is spending a pair days across the #Flyers for coaching camp as an invited visitor of John Tortorella. Woodcroft is there to look at and watch, studying and including to his toolset whereas ready for his subsequent alternative.”
This isn’t a job supply. From the way in which Seravalli’s tweet reads, that is merely an invite to hang around and soak up as a lot as Woodcroft can from a coach who has been within the sport for many years. Whether or not it results in one thing isn’t recognized.
That is an attention-grabbing alternative for a few causes. First, Tortorella is named a polarizing determine within the NHL. Woodcroft selecting Torts of all individuals would possibly counsel that Woodcroft is wanting so as to add somewhat fireplace into his fashion of teaching. Tortorella is thought to be laborious on his guys, but additionally sincere. Not each participant thrives underneath his fashion. That Woodcroft would need extra of that in his strategies is fascinating.
On the identical time, Tortorella is the type of coach who usually overstays his welcome. Whereas it sounds just like the Flyers are going to be affected person and Torts has quite a lot of leeway to do what he sees is true, ought to the Flyers battle early, there will likely be individuals who marvel if he’s on the recent seat. Woodcroft getting in with that group would possibly assist him get on their radar as a potential alternative coach, ought to the Flyers select to make a change.
That is the second former Oilers government or coach that has been linked to a brand new group within the final 24 hours. Ken Holland is reportedly performing some work with the Utah Hockey Membership.
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