John Tortorella’s journey with the Las Vegas Golden Knights has come to an end.
On Tuesday, the team announced that Tortorella, who guided them to the Stanley Cup Final, will not be returning as their head coach. His time with the organization was brief but notable.
Tortorella stepped in March during a crucial point in the season when the Golden Knights needed urgent help.
General manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed that Tortorella’s contributions were significant, leading the team to their third Cup Final appearance in history. Unfortunately, they fell to the Hurricanes in six games, with the series concluding on Sunday.
“I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Torts for his guidance since he joined us in March,” McCrimmon stated. “When we brought him to Las Vegas, we needed someone who could make an immediate impact in a tough part of the season.”
“His experience and leadership were just what we needed to get to the Stanley Cup Final. We value Torts’ passion, integrity, and all that he brought to our organization. We wish him and his family the very best moving forward.”
This development wasn’t entirely surprising. In an interview with Sportsnet during the Stanley Cup Final, Tortorella had already indicated he would be leaving the team after the season wrapped up.
“It’s no secret that I’m done here at the end of June. I’ve made that agreement with Kelly from the start,” Tortorella said.
The Golden Knights did not provide any details about a new head coach or any other changes to their coaching staff in the announcement. However, reports have suggested that Ryan Craig, the current AHL head coach and a former assistant with the Knights, might be a candidate for the position.
This marks the end of a short collaboration between Tortorella and a franchise that has quickly established itself as a powerhouse since entering the NHL in the 2017-18 season.
Las Vegas made an impressive debut by reaching the Stanley Cup Final in their first year and claiming the championship in the 2022-23 season.
As the Golden Knights head into the offseason, they are set to make at least one coaching change following their successful playoff run.
