Former player shares illegal activity John Tortorella encouraged player to take part in to break a slump

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Josh Tupper
August 20, 2023 (11:10)

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John Tortorella is viewed as one of the most unique and out there coaches in modern NHL. His coaching tactics and over the top antics during games have made him must see TV for most of his career. Every once and awhile though a former player comes out with a wile story about how Torts acted when the media isn't around.

Former player, Brandon Prust recently appeared on the Missin' Curfew podcast and told an insane story about Tortorella from his time as head coach of the New York Rangers. Prust discussed what Torts encourages Brad Richards to do, when he was going through an early season slump.

Torts told Brad Richards to go out and do drugs because he was in a slump #NYR

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While players usually take part in some unique ways to bust slumps this is certainly out there. According to Prust, Torts encouraged Richards to go out and use some illegal drugs to break the slump.

This is another classic Tortorella story while trying to get a player more comfortable in their new environment. No doubt this was a joke, but with Torts you never really know.

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AOUT 20 \| 182 ANSWERS Former player shares illegal activity John Tortorella encouraged player to take part in to break a slump Do you like John Tortorella as a coach?
Yes, he's a favorite	52	28.6 %
No, I'm not a fan	81	44.5 %
He always goes a little too far	49	26.9 %
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Former player shares illegal activity John Tortorella encouraged player to take part in to break a slump

Do you like John Tortorella as a coach?