Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Lukáš Sedlák spent six seasons in the organization before leaving for Russia in 2019.
In 2022, he began attracting some NHL interest and returned to play in Colorado for his former AHL coach and Calder Cup winner, Jared Bednar, on a one-year deal.
The Avalanche put the forward on waivers after just three games, however.
His former coach, John Tortorella, the coach of the Philadelphia Flyers at the time, decided to claim Sedlák, reuniting the two. Sedlák previously played 162 games for Tortorella while the two were in Columbus. He scored 15 goals and totaled 22 points.
On December 17, 2022, Sedlák abruptly decided that it was time to return to his home country of the Czech Republic, citing a desire to be closer to family and homesickness. A day later, he signed with HC Dynamo Pardubice, where he still plays today.
Another former Flyer, Kevin Hayes, went on the Spittin' Chiclets Podcast a few days ago and gave the real reason why Sedlák went back to Europe.
Hayes said, " I go into the rink, and there's a kid walking out of the rink with a hockey bag on his shoulder, Lukáš Sedlák. Im like, "Sedsy, where you going?' He's like, "Can't play for Torts anymore!' Im going home to Czech (Republic). I quit.'
Hayes goes on to tell a story about how Torts scratched him, and told him in a brutal way.
What do you think? Is this an indictment on Tortorella being that Sedlák was such a "Tortorella-type" player?
You can listen to full clip below.
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