From TSN.ca:

Sources say the New York Rangers and John Tortorella have an agreement in place that would make him the next head coach of the NHL team, but that the Tampa Bay Lightning have not yet granted him permission to do so.

A current NHL on TSN analyst, Tortorella remains under contract to the Lightning for the balance of this season. In order for him to become head coach of the Rangers, he requires the blessing of the Lightning.  Sources also tell TSN that the blessing has yet to be granted, however the NHL’s head office is now involved in an attempt to resolve the situation.

Tortorella led the Tampa Bay Lightning to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup title in the 2003-04 season as the Bolts defeated the Calgary Flames in seven games.  His 239 career wins is second to only Peter Laviolette as the most ever by an American-born NHL coach.

The Boston-born Tortorella began his NHL coaching career as an assistant with the Buffalo Sabres in 1989.  He then captured the AHL’s Calder Cup in 1996 as head coach of the Rochester Americans.

Tortorella replaced Steve Ludzik as Tampa Bay’s head coach in 2001.  The Lightning reached the playoff four times on Tortorella’s watch, winning the Southeast division twice in the process.

Tortorella was fired by the Lightning after the team missed the playoffs last season.  He was immediately scooped up by TSN, joining the NHL on TSN panel.

Stay tuned to TSN.ca for more details as they arrive

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