Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella admitted during his introductory press conference Friday that his team has a long way to go after a tough 2021-22 season.

"I'm not going to sit here and say we're going to be Stanley Cup contenders next year. I get that," he said. "I know there's some work to do. … That's what I want to do, that's what coaches do. I'm looking forward to the challenge."

He continued: "I'm not afraid of what people are saying about the team. I get it's out there. It fuels me. … I'm looking forward to getting to the bunker in that locker room with all the Flyers and (going) about our business."

Despite winning six of their first 10 games, the Flyers finished last in the Metropolitan Division with a 25-46-11 record under Alain Vigneault and interim bench boss Mike Yeo. Philadelphia missed the playoffs for the third time in the past four years.