John Tortorella will not return as coach of the Vegas Golden Knights

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   Vegas Golden Knights Name Ryan Craig as Head Coach

   The Vegas Golden Knights have hired 44-year-old Ryan Craig to replace John Tortorella. Craig previously served as a Vegas assistant and led the team's AHL affiliate for three seasons. Tortorella led the team to the Stanley Cup Final as an interim coach before his dismissal.

   What's confirmed:

   • Ryan Craig is the new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.
   • Craig is 44 years old.
   • Craig spent the last three seasons guiding the team's AHL affiliate.
   • John Tortorella will not return as coach after leading the team to the Stanley Cup Final.
   • The Golden Knights lost the Stanley Cup Final to Carolina.
   • General manager Kelly McCrimmon stated Tortorella hoped to coach the team next season but was told Ryan Craig would take over.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • John Tortorella felt "disappointed" that the team decided to let him go.
   • The dismissal of John Tortorella was abrupt.
   confidence 100%
2. 5d ago

   Vegas Golden Knights announce John Tortorella will not return

   General manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed Tuesday that John Tortorella is leaving the coaching staff after the 2025-26 season. Tortorella announced his departure during the Stanley Cup Final. The team is now searching for its fifth head coach in nine seasons.

   What's confirmed:

   • John Tortorella will not return to the Vegas Golden Knights coaching staff after the 2025-26 season.
   • General manager Kelly McCrimmon announced the move on Tuesday.
   confidence 100%
3. 6d ago

   Vegas Golden Knights Part Ways With John Tortorella

   The Vegas Golden Knights will not retain John Tortorella as head coach. Tortorella served in an interim capacity and led the team to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. The organization is now seeking its fifth head coach in nine seasons.

   What's confirmed:

   • John Tortorella will not return as head coach for the Vegas Golden Knights.
   • Tortorella led the team to the Stanley Cup Final as an interim coach.
   • The Vegas Golden Knights are searching for their fifth head coach in nine seasons.
   confidence 100%
4. 6d ago

   Golden Knights name Ryan Craig as Tortorella’s permanent replacement

   The Vegas Golden Knights will not retain John Tortorella as head coach after his interim run led them to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. The team has promoted AHL affiliate coach Ryan Craig to replace Tortorella, finalizing the decision following a press conference by GM Kelly McCrimmon. Craig’s contract was agreed upon immediately after the Final loss. The move marks a full transition away from Tortorella’s short-term tenure.

   What's confirmed:

   • John Tortorella will not return as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season, ending his interim tenure that concluded with a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
   • Ryan Craig, the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate coach in Henderson, has been promoted to head coach and signed a contract to replace Tortorella.
   • General Manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed the decision in a press conference held the day after Tortorella’s departure was announced.
   • Tortorella was hired as interim coach in late March 2026 with eight games remaining in the regular season.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Unconfirmed reports suggest Tortorella’s departure was influenced by internal disagreements over long-term strategy, though no details have been publicly disclosed.
   confidence 99%
5. 7d ago

   John Tortorella won’t return as Vegas Golden Knights coach after Cup Final run

   The Golden Knights announced John Tortorella will not return for the 2026-27 season following his interim tenure, which led the team to the Stanley Cup Final. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed the decision after a loss to Carolina in the Final. Tortorella was hired in late March with eight games left in the regular season. The team thanked him for his guidance but opted not to extend his contract.

   What's confirmed:

   • John Tortorella will not return as coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 NHL season.
   • General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced the decision, stating the team needed immediate impact when hiring Tortorella in late March.
   • Tortorella was hired with eight games remaining in the regular season and led the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final.
   • The team thanked Tortorella for his guidance since joining the organization in March.
   • Tortorella is a 67-year-old coach who took over mid-season and delivered a Cup Final appearance.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Speculation suggests Tortorella may pursue coaching opportunities with other NHL teams, including the Edmonton Oilers.
   confidence 98%