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Islanders Get OK To Speak To Tortorella

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 19, 2008

TAMPA Former Lightning coach John Tortorella could be in line to take over the vacant head coaching position with the New York Islanders.

The Islanders have contacted Tampa Bay seeking permission to speak to Tortorella, the Tribune has learned. The Lightning have granted the Islanders their request to talk to Tortorella.

Tortorella was fired by the Lightning on June 3 after seven seasons as coach, including helping guide Tampa Bay to a Stanley Cup championship in 2004. He has one year left on his contract that will reportedly pay him $1.3 million this year. Because Tortorella has a year remaining on his deal, teams must have permission from the Lightning to discuss an opening.

It is believed Tortorella was also contacted by the Sharks, which hired former Detroit assistant Todd McLellan on June 11.

New York fired Ted Nolan on Monday citing what Islanders GM Garth Snow characterized as "philosophical differences'' after two years on the job. Snow has reportedly already interviewed former Columbus head coach and current Islanders assistant Gerard Gallant. Former Atlanta and Colorado coach Bob Hartley is also believed to be on Snow's list.

The Islanders have also requested permission to speak to Mike Sullivan, an assistant with Tortorella last year who also has one year left on his contract, although it was unclear whether that was for a head coaching or assistant's job. Sullivan served as head coach of the Bruins for two seasons before he was replaced after the 2005-06 season, and he has already spoken to Los Angeles, Atlanta and Philadelphia.

Tampa Bay's other assistant coach from last season, goaltending coach Jeff Reese, is also believed to be close to joining the Maple Leafs. Reese, who also has one year left on his contract, has spent the past six seasons with the Lightning.

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