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Vegas Golden Knights Announced Coaching Change; John Tortorella Replaces Bruce Cassidy

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Vegas Golden Knights Announce Coaching Change

The Vegas Golden Knights announced a change in their coaching staff. Bruce Cassidy was relieved of his duties as head coach, and John Tortorella was appointed as his replacement. The organization also stated on June 16, 2026, that Tortorella would not return to the team's coaching staff after the 2025-26 season.

"We thank Bruce for his four seasons with the club and for leading us to a Stanley Cup in 2023."

Organizational Statement

General Manager Kelly McCrimmon issued a statement. He thanked Bruce Cassidy for his four seasons with the club and noted that under his leadership, the team won the Stanley Cup in 2023.

McCrimmon described the change as an effort to improve the team's performance during the current 2025-26 regular season. He stated that Tortorella is an experienced and respected coach and a Stanley Cup Champion. McCrimmon also thanked Tortorella for his contributions.

John Tortorella's Coaching Career

John Tortorella has served as an NHL head coach for 23 seasons. His previous roles include head coach for the following teams:

  • Philadelphia Flyers (2022-25)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets (2015-21)
  • Vancouver Canucks (2013-14)
  • New York Rangers (1999-00, 2008-13)
  • Tampa Bay Lightning (2000-08)
Key Achievements and Statistics
  • Led Columbus to its first second-round playoff appearance in 2019.
  • Earned the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's top coach in 2017 with the Blue Jackets and in 2004 with the Lightning. He is one of four coaches to win the award with two different teams.
  • Coached 1,620 NHL games, ranking sixth all-time and first among American-born coaches.
  • Accumulated 770 wins, placing him ninth among all NHL head coaches and second among American coaches.
  • Achieved 56 playoff wins over 12 playoff appearances.
  • Secured three division titles (2002-03, 2003-04, 2011-12).
  • Made two conference final appearances (2003-04, 2011-12) and one Stanley Cup Final appearance (2003-04).
  • Won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004.

International Experience

Tortorella has served as an assistant coach for the United States men's national team at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games, where the team won a gold medal. He also served as an assistant at the 2010 Winter Olympics (silver medal) and was head coach for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and the 2008 IIHF Men’s World Championship. He was also on the coaching staff for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.