Canucks fire Tortorella after one season as coach
The Vancouver Canucks have fired head coach John Tortorella after just one season with the team.
Trevor Linden, the team's president of hockey operations, announced the move on Thursday.
TSN was first to report on Wednesday that the firing would occur.
Assistant coach Mike Sullivan was also relieved of his duties.
"Today we are making an important change in the direction of our team," Linden said in a statement. "On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our thanks to John, Mike and their families for their commitment to the Canucks and wish them the very best."
"We have a lot of important work to accomplish this off-season as we build our management and coaching staffs, improve our roster and connect with our fans," added Linden. "Our General Manager search is well underway and we will begin assessing head coaching candidates immediately."
Tortorella, who was in his first year of a five-year, $10 million contract with Vancouver, joined the Canucks after being fired by the New York Rangers. The Canucks went 36-35-11 under Tortorella, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
The Canucks' underwhelming season resulted in the firing of general manager Mike Gillis, who hired Tortorella.
NESN contributed to this report.
