Golden Knights Shake up Coaching Staff After Finals Disappointment

WHO:

NHL.com - General Manager Kelly McCrimmon stated, “We are grateful for Torts’ passion, sincerity, and commitment to our organization, and we wish him and his family the best.”

Sportskeeda - Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone and forward Mitch Marner expressed their preferences for the qualities they seek in a new head coach to replace John Tortorella.

NHL.com - Forward Jack Eichel stated, "It was an honor to play for him every day. I think all the guys on our team would agree. So, happy to have had that experience."

NHL.com - Forward Tomas Hertl commented, "Obviously, when Torts came, he changed the room for us... I think he did such a good job motivating the guys and we were two wins away from the Cup."

Daily Mail Sports - The Vegas Golden Knights have fired coach John Tortorella.

NHL.com - General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced the coaching staff update for the Vegas Golden Knights.

WHAT:

NHL.com - John Tortorella was hired by the Vegas Golden Knights in March to replace Bruce Cassidy.

NHL.com - The Vegas Golden Knights are one of three teams without a head coach, alongside the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs.

NHL.com - John Tortorella has a coaching record of 777-648-166 with 37 ties over 24 seasons, and he is 70-72 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

NHL.com - McCrimmon stated, “Torts’ experience and leadership proved to be the boost that we were looking for, helping guide us to the Stanley Cup Final.”

NHL.com - The Vegas Golden Knights were established by Owner and Chairman Bill Foley and his family in 2017-18 and won the Stanley Cup in 2022-23.

Daily Mail Sports - John Tortorella was fired after the team's failure to win the Stanley Cup.

NHL.com - John Tortorella will not return to the team’s coaching staff following the 2025-26 season.

NHL.com - McCrimmon stated, “We thank Torts for the guidance he provided our team since joining the organization in March.”

WHERE:

NHL.com - The announcement was made in Vegas.

WHEN:

NHL.com - The announcement regarding Tortorella's departure was made on June 16, 2026.

Sportskeeda - John Tortorella was hired by the Vegas Golden Knights in March to replace Bruce Cassidy.

WHY:

Sportskeeda - Mark Stone and Mitch Marner revealed they want a coach who can motivate the team and bring energy, similar to what Tortorella provided during his tenure.

NHL.com - Tortorella's impact was noted as he brought energy and motivation to the team during a pivotal point in the season.

NHL.com - The decision to fire Tortorella was due to the team's failure to win the Stanley Cup after reaching the finals.

HOW:

NHL.com - The Golden Knights are owned and operated by Black Knight Sports and Entertainment LLC.

NHL.com - McCrimmon noted that Tortorella’s experience and leadership were intended to provide an immediate impact for the team.

The Vegas Golden Knights have announced that John Tortorella is leaving the organization, just months after he was hired to replace Bruce Cassidy. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed gratitude for Tortorella's passion, sincerity, and commitment, wishing him and his family the best in their future endeavors. This announcement came on June 16, 2026, marking a significant change for the team.