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If the Columbus Blue Jackets head coach, John Tortorella, is not happy with something, he'll tell you … and he'll probably use blossoming language to argue his case .
Jim Rutherford, General Manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Jack Johnson, Defenseman, signed a five-year contract with the Pens after more than six seasons spent in Columbus
"I really wanted to be part of it." a culture a place where the expectations of winning are as high as possible, and there is a chance to win, "Johnson told reporters in Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon.
This comment mishandled Tortorella since he suggests that Columbus does not have a winning culture or high expectations.
Johnson fought in 2017-18 by leveling a low points career with 11 in 77 games while making a career low average 19:33 of Ice time per game He was scratched throughout the playoffs and Rutherford hinted that it was not because of his performance on the ice.
"I do not think that" he had a bad year, " said Rutherford. "He was healthy at the end of the season. I know the reason why.
Tortorella did not really appreciate what Rutherford had to say and he let his feelings be known in a spirited interview with the battered Blue Jackets reporter Aaron Portzline of The Athletic .
"We wish him the best, but for him, as he said today [expletive]," said Tortorella. "And for a general manager to question our decision-making at three o'clock from here, he must be a magician [expletive]."
Johnson's personal and financial problems have been revealed to the public for years and Tortorella said he sympathizes with what Johnson went through and "curled back" to help him out.
"That's what pisses me off," says Tortorella. "It was not enough [expletive] to remind me, because I tried to contact him.You did not [expletive] on an organization that did nothing but try to help, we all know that Jack had some problems along the way, it's very well documented, all we did was try [expletive] to help him
"I adore the guy [expletive]. I had it in the Olympic team. I have it on the World Cup team. I like the guy. But for him, it's ridiculous. He must start pointing fingers, not the others. If I am one of his teammates [former] and I play against him next year … my god.
Johnson later clarified that he had no intention of firing a shot at the Blue Jackets.
"When I arrived in Columbus, I was eager to help create a winning culture, to help build it, "said Johnson in Portzline." I had a wonderful time in Columbus. I met my wife there, I started a family there, nothing but good friends and good relations there. I believe that they have a winning culture there. All I wanted to say is that I am delighted to be part of the winning Pittsburgh culture. It took me to make a hockey decision. I do not have any animosity and I have nothing bad to say, and I did not want to do any sharing.
But back to Rutherford. The comments of the general manager have really shaken Tortorella.
"What annoys me the most, is a general manager in this league who questions and talks about our decision-making," added Tortorella. "Closes on [expletive]! Jack and I have had an open and honest conversation all this time." Jack and I have known each other forever, and I love the guy. "agenda here." You think [scratching Johnson was] is an easy decision for me, after what Jack Johnson has been in this league and what it is?
"But that can not bother me for make the right decisions for this hockey club, and that's all we do, so Rutherford should close on [expletive]. … I do not want to go to insult, because I know Jimmy. This is a good man. These are two good people. But what do the [expletive] do? Continue with your business! I hope [Johnson] will play his bad, but keep [expletive] away from our business when you do not know what's going on.
The first time the Blue Jackets and Penguins meet next season November 24 in Pittsburgh.
Save the date.
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