USA coach John Tortorella focused on winning World Cup, not returning to NHL

John Tortorella has been officially introduced as the head coach of Team USA's 2016 World Cup squad, and that's where his focus lies.

Tortorella, who's been out of the coaching game since being let go by the Vancouver Canucks at the end of the 2013-14 season, made his intentions clear after being welcomed by USA Hockey on Tuesday.

"This is not about getting back into the National Hockey League," he said.

While he isn't trying to return to the NHL, his track record in the league with the Canucks, New York Rangers, and Tampa Bay Lightning - with which he won a Stanley Cup - made him stand out to general manager Dean Lombardi.

"There's no phony here," Lombardi added. "He instantly gives your team an identity ... The juice and the passion that came out of him (during interviews), it was like you were in a hurricane."

Lombardi pointed to the likes of Darryl Sutter and Ken Hitchcock as examples of people who achieved success after taking a break from the game, suggesting coaches can benefit from a fresh perspective.

By past mistakes, Lombardi is referring, at least partially, to a multi-game suspension Tortorella served during his tenure with the Canucks.

Tortella said he'll spend the first part of the NHL season scouting potential members of the 2016 team, which will also give him a closer look at the current state of the league should an opportunity arise.