John Tortorella will not return as coach of the Vegas Golden Knights
Ryan Craig is the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season. He plans to implement a shortened training camp to build a new team identity and encourage internal competition. The organization intends to keep its core roster while pursuing a second Stanley Cup. This transition occurs after 68-year-old John Tortorella left the position to seek other coaching opportunities within the league.
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- ✓ Ryan Craig is the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season.
- ✓ John Tortorella, 68, has departed the organization to look for other league coaching positions.
What changed
No new developments regarding the Vegas Golden Knights coaching transition were provided in the latest source material.
Live updates
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Ryan Craig assumes head coaching role for Vegas Golden Knights
Ryan Craig is the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season. He plans to implement a shortened training camp to build a new team identity and encourage internal competition. The organization intends to keep its core roster while pursuing a second Stanley Cup. This transition occurs after 68-year-old John Tortorella left the position to seek other coaching opportunities within the league.
Why it matters
The coaching change signals a strategic shift in leadership for the franchise. Vegas is attempting to maintain its competitive window by retaining key players under new management.
What is confirmed
- Ryan Craig is the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season.
- John Tortorella, 68, has departed the organization to look for other league coaching positions.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the shortened training camp
- John Tortorella's hiring status with another NHL team
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
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Ryan Craig leads Vegas Golden Knights into 10th NHL season
Ryan Craig has taken over as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season. Craig stated the team is starting over and will use a shortened training camp to foster internal competition and establish a new identity. The organization aims to win its second Stanley Cup while maintaining its core roster. This leadership change follows the departure of 68-year-old John Tortorella, who is looking for other coaching positions within the league.
Why it matters
Vegas fell two wins short of a championship in their previous run. The team now competes in a Pacific Division that ranked as the worst in the league last season.
What is confirmed
- Ryan Craig is the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season.
- The Vegas Golden Knights are entering their 10th season as an NHL franchise.
- John Tortorella is 68 years old.
What to watch next
- Results of the internal competition during the shortened training camp
- Updates on John Tortorella's search for a new coaching role
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
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Ryan Craig takes over as Vegas Golden Knights head coach
Ryan Craig is the new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season. He replaces John Tortorella, 68, who is seeking other coaching opportunities in the league. The organization signed Olofsson to replace Dorofeyev as they attempt to win a Stanley Cup after falling two wins short in their previous run. The team now operates within a Pacific Division that was the worst in the league last season.
Why it matters
The coaching change comes as the Golden Knights attempt to bridge the gap between a deep playoff run and a championship. Management must now determine if Craig can preserve the team's identity while filling roster holes. This transition occurs amidst a broader struggle for stability across the Pacific Division.
What is confirmed
- Ryan Craig is the new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.
- John Tortorella is 68 years old.
- The Golden Knights signed Olofsson to replace Dorofeyev.
What to watch next
- Performance of Ryan Craig in the 2026-27 season opening games
- Confirmation of John Tortorella signing with another NHL team
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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Ryan Craig takes over as Vegas Golden Knights head coach
Ryan Craig is the new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights following the departure of John Tortorella. The team enters the 2026-27 season aiming for a Stanley Cup after a previous run ended two wins short of the title. To bolster the roster, the organization signed Olofsson to replace Dorofeyev. Tortorella, 68, remains open to future coaching roles in the league. Current organizational concerns center on whether Craig can maintain the team's existing identity while addressing specific roster gaps.
Why it matters
The coaching change follows a season marked by a Stanley Cup Final appearance and controversial personnel decisions. The team's previous use of Carter Hart during the finals drew significant criticism. These shifts occur as the franchise seeks to convert its recent success into a championship.
What is confirmed
- Ryan Craig is the new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.
- John Tortorella will not return as coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.
- The Golden Knights signed Olofsson to replace Dorofeyev.
- The team reached the Stanley Cup Final but fell two wins short of the title.
Still unconfirmed
- Critics describe the decision to use Carter Hart during the Stanley Cup Final as one of the worst choices of the last season.
- John Tortorella is open to future coaching opportunities at age 68.
What to watch next
- The performance of Ryan Craig in the opening games of the 2026-27 season
- Confirmation of any new coaching hire for John Tortorella
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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John Tortorella remains open to coaching after Vegas Golden Knights exit
John Tortorella is open to future coaching opportunities at age 68 following his departure from the Vegas Golden Knights. The team previously announced that Tortorella would not return for the next season, hiring Ryan Craig as the new head coach. Tortorella's tenure ended two wins short of a Stanley Cup. To address roster needs, the Golden Knights signed Olofsson to replace Dorofeyev. Meanwhile, critics have labeled the team's decision to use Carter Hart during the Stanley Cup Final as one of the worst choices of the last season.
Why it matters
Tortorella served as an interim coach and led the franchise to the Stanley Cup Final. His exit marks a transition in leadership for a team seeking to rectify previous postseason tactical errors. The hiring of Ryan Craig signals a shift in the Golden Knights' coaching strategy.
What is confirmed
- The Vegas Golden Knights hired Ryan Craig as the new head coach.
- John Tortorella will not return as coach for the next season.
- The Golden Knights signed Olofsson to help replace Dorofeyev.
Still unconfirmed
- John Tortorella is still open to coaching at age 68.
- The decision to stick with Carter Hart during the Stanley Cup Final was one of the worst choices last season.
What to watch next
- Announcement of a new coaching role for John Tortorella
- Performance of Ryan Craig in his first games as head coach
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
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John Tortorella not returning as Vegas Golden Knights coach
The Vegas Golden Knights have announced that John Tortorella will not return as coach for the next season. Ryan Craig has been hired as the new head coach. Tortorella previously served as an interim coach and led the team to the Stanley Cup Final. The team also signed Olofsson to help replace Dorofeyev.
What's confirmed:
- John Tortorella will not return as coach of the Vegas Golden Knights
- Ryan Craig is set to take over as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights
- Tortorella previously served as an interim coach and reached the Stanley Cup Final
- The Vegas Golden Knights signed Olofsson to help replace Dorofeyev
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
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Ryan Craig to replace John Tortorella as Vegas Golden Knights coach
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed John Tortorella will not return for the next season. Ryan Craig is set to take over as head coach. Tortorella previously served as an interim coach and reached the Stanley Cup Final.
What's confirmed:
- General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced John Tortorella will not return after the 2025-26 season.
- Ryan Craig is the replacement for Tortorella.
- Tortorella previously served as an interim coach and led the team to the Stanley Cup Final.
- Joel Ward was named head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights' AHL affiliate.
Still unconfirmed:
- Joel Ward intends to move up to the NHL level.
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Vegas Golden Knights Remove John Tortorella as Head Coach
General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced that John Tortorella will not return after the 2025-26 season. Tortorella previously served as an interim coach and led the team to the Stanley Cup Final. Ryan Craig is the replacement.
What's confirmed:
- General Manager Kelly McCrimmon announced John Tortorella will not return after the 2025-26 season.
- Tortorella led the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final as an interim coach.
- Ryan Craig is the new head coach.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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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%Sources used for this update (9)
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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%Sources used for this update (2)
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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%Sources used for this update (4)
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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%Sources used for this update (18)
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- Golden Knights promote Ryan Craig from Henderson to Vegas
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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%Sources used for this update (15)
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- John Tortorella not returning as coach of the Vegas Golden Knights
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