The Vegas Golden Knights dismissed head coach Bruce Cassidy on Sunday and subsequently appointed John Tortorella as his successor.
This decision follows Vegas having suffered defeats in six of its last seven contests, with the most recent disappointment being a 5-4 loss in a shootout to the Washington Capitals on Saturday night.
“We express our gratitude to Bruce Cassidy for his commitment to our ice hockey team and local community during his four-year tenure,” Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon declared in an official announcement. “Guided by Bruce’s leadership, we achieved our primary objective in 2023 by securing a Stanley Cup for Vegas. Our organization will always hold Bruce in the highest esteem for his achievements here. As the final phase of the 2025-26 regular season commences, we deem an alteration essential for our club to revert to its anticipated performance standard.
“With John Tortorella, we welcome a Stanley Cup victor and one of the National Hockey League’s most seasoned and esteemed mentors. His direction will prove invaluable to our squad during this crucial juncture of the ongoing season. We anticipate greeting John in Vegas with enthusiasm.”
The Golden Knights hold a season record of 32-26-16, occupying third place in the Pacific Division, with only eight regular-season matches left as they strive to secure a spot in the Western Conference postseason tournament.
Tortorella’s most recent coaching role was with the Philadelphia Flyers, who dismissed him in March 2025 during his third year leading the squad.