Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Flyers HC destroys reporter over false rumor surrounding Cutter Gauthier trade

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/10/24

Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella has a reputation for flying off the handle, but he was probably in the right this time.

Only a few days removed from the team's stunning trade of 2022 No. 5 overall pick Cutter Gauthier to the Anaheim Ducks, the HC roasted a reporter who insinuated that former Flyer Kevin Hayes had influenced the young forward.

After answering a few questions following the Flyers' 3-2 overtime win over the Montreal Canadiens, Tortorella asked, "Is the guy here who gave Kevin Hayes a problem?" The guy in question, reporter Anthony SanFilippo, confirmed his presence before being shamed in front of his colleagues.

John Tortorella vehemently defends Kevin Hayes after a report claimed the former Flyer influenced Cutter Gauthier's decision to not play in Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/NwfrGEwyoY
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) January 11, 2024

"Are you kidding me? Do you think Kevin Hayes is going to do something like that?" Tortorella said. "It p-sses me off that you guys throw that s--- around and it affects someone's life."

Hayes spent four seasons in Philly before butting heads with Tortorella, leading to a trade to the St. Louis Blues last offseason. However, he addressed those issues, calling him a "good man."

"What you said is going to stay with him," Tortorella continued. "That's what you guys don't understand. And you're going to sit there and say you have the right sources. I call bull----."

Gauthier's trade caught many off guard, but the Flyers soon communicated that the 19-year-old didn't want to play in Philadelphia. Furthermore, the team said that he'd all but ghosted the franchise during its attempts to change his mind.

Shortly after the deal, SanFilippo said sources indicated that Hayes "had a direct impact" on Gauthier's trade demand.

Hayes later told The Athletic that the report was "100 percent false." While he acknowledged speaking with Gauthier, with both having played at Boston College, he wildly rejected having any influence over his decision-making, revealing he'd received death threats in the aftermath.

"Not a single aspect of what I've done had any implications on this kid's decision," Hayes said.

As for SanFilippo, he seems to be taking the dressing down from Torts well.

Well, Torts just lit me up in his press conference about Kevin Hayes. Completely unprompted. That ought to be a joy for everyone for the next couple days.
— Anthony SanFilippo (@AntSanPhilly) January 11, 2024