An excerpt from The Tampa Tribune (Erik Erlendsson):

TAMPA Former Lightning coach John Tortorella could be in line to take over the vacant head coaching position with the New York Islanders.

The Islanders have contacted Tampa Bay seeking permission to speak to Tortorella, the Tribune has learned. The Lightning have granted the Islanders their request to talk to Tortorella.

Tortorella was fired by the Lightning on June 3 after seven seasons as coach, including helping guide Tampa Bay to a Stanley Cup championship in 2004. He has one year left on his contract that will reportedly pay him $1.3 million this year. Because Tortorella has a year remaining on his deal, teams must have permission from the Lightning to discuss an opening.