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Vegas Golden Knights Part Ways with Coach Tortorella

6/16/2026

47 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

John Tortorella will not be retained as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season.
GM Kelly McCrimmon announced on Tuesday his contract ends June 30 and he will not return to the coaching staff.
Hired in March after Bruce Cassidy’s dismissal, Tortorella led Vegas to a 7-0-1 finish, a Pacific Division title, a sweep of Colorado and a loss to Carolina in the Stanley Cup Final.

History

Historical Context

After a 31-45-6 slump, the New Jersey Devils fired head coach Robbie Ftorek on March 23, 2000; general manager Lou Lamoriello installed assistant Larry Robinson. The change sparked a late-season surge that culminated in a Stanley Cup victory on June 10, 2000. The move echoes the franchise’s history of mid-season coaching swaps to chase playoff success in the NHL for the team.

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Story summary

John Tortorella will not be retained as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season.
GM Kelly McCrimmon announced on Tuesday his contract ends June 30 and he will not return to the coaching staff.
Hired in March after Bruce Cassidy’s dismissal, Tortorella led Vegas to a 7-0-1 finish, a Pacific Division title, a sweep of Colorado and a loss to Carolina in the Stanley Cup Final.

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