Vegas Golden Knights Hire John Tortorella as New Head Coach

Veteran NHL coach replaces Bruce Cassidy after one season in Vegas

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold colors depicting a hockey game, with sharp geometric planes and shapes representing the high-intensity, strategic nature of Tortorella's coaching approach.The Vegas Golden Knights' new head coach John Tortorella brings his signature intense, defense-first style to the team in a bid to return them to the playoffs.

The Vegas Golden Knights have hired veteran NHL head coach John Tortorella to lead the team, replacing Bruce Cassidy who was let go after just one season with the franchise. Tortorella, known for his fiery personality and demanding coaching style, brings over 20 years of NHL experience to the Golden Knights.

Why it matters

The Golden Knights have high expectations after missing the playoffs last season, and the hiring of Tortorella signals a major shift in the team's direction and culture. Tortorella's no-nonsense approach could be just what the team needs to get back on track, but his combative style has also drawn criticism over the years.

The details

Cassidy was fired by the Golden Knights after the team failed to make the playoffs in 2022-23, his first season as head coach in Vegas. Tortorella, who has coached the Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Vancouver Canucks among other teams, agreed to a multi-year contract with the Golden Knights. He is known for his intense, defense-first style of coaching and has won a Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004.

  • The Golden Knights missed the playoffs in the 2022-23 season.
  • Bruce Cassidy was fired as head coach on March 29, 2026.
  • John Tortorella was hired as the new head coach on March 30, 2026.

The players

John Tortorella

A veteran NHL head coach with over 20 years of experience, known for his fiery personality and demanding coaching style. He has previously coached the Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Vancouver Canucks, and won a Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004.

Bruce Cassidy

The former head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, who was let go after just one season with the team.

Vegas Golden Knights

An NHL franchise based in Las Vegas, Nevada that has high expectations after missing the playoffs last season.

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What they’re saying

“John Tortorella is the right coach to get this team back on track. His no-nonsense approach and emphasis on defense is exactly what we need to turn things around.”

— Kelly McCrimmon, General Manager, Vegas Golden Knights

What’s next

The Golden Knights will look to make a splash in the offseason as they aim to build a roster that can compete under Tortorella's leadership.

The takeaway

The hiring of John Tortorella as the new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights signals a major shift in the team's direction and culture. Tortorella's intense, defense-first coaching style could be just what the team needs to get back on track after missing the playoffs last season, but his combative personality has also drawn criticism over the years.