Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella unleashed on recently departed defenseman Jack Johnson for comments Johnson made at his introductory news conference in Pittsburgh.

Johnson, who signed a five-year, $16.25 million deal with the Penguins, said Sunday, "I've been looking to be in a winning culture."

Reached by The Athletic for reaction to Johnson's apparent slight, Tortorella said, "All I know is this organization, from the lawyers, the front office, J.D. [John Davidson], the managers, the coaches, players ... has done nothing but try to help Jack. And for him to backhand slap us like this is utter bulls---, and he should know better.

"No one wishes anything bad to happen to him and his family. We wish him the best. But for him to put it the way he put it today is bulls---. And to have a general manager question our decision-making from three hours away, he must be a f---ing magician."