The Vegas Golden Knights introduced they’ve fired head coach Bruce Cassidy and employed John Tortorella.
The Vegas Golden Knights have relieved Bruce Cassidy of his duties as head coach.
John Tortorella has been named head coach.#VegasBornhttps://t.co/TSTwVqXlbQ
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) March 29, 2026
This transfer by GM Kelly McCrimmon comes a day after the Golden Knights fell to the Washington Capitals and former goaltender Logan Thompson. As a supply instructed NHLRumors.com, “Vegas wager on the mistaken horse.” This refers back to the Golden Knights selecting Adin Hill over Thompson.
Just like Bowness and @BlueJacketsNHL, Torts is employed till the tip of the season. https://t.co/LgQrQJXUE2
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 29, 2026
NHL Rumors: Vegas Golden Knights Wish to Re-Signal Rasmus Andersson
Jokingly is former Normal Supervisor Lou Lamoriello a senior adviosr in Vegas. Firing a coach this late is straight from his e book. Keep in mind he fired Robbie Ftorek as the pinnacle coach of the New Jersey Devils within the 1999-2000 with seven video games left within the season changing him with Larry Robinson. The Devils went on to win the Stanley Cup.
Lamoriello additionally fired Claude Julien again in 2007 with New Jersey in second place within the Japanese Convention. Lamoriello took over behind the bench with three video games left within the season. So that is nothing new. However it’s uncommon to see this late within the season. Nevertheless, Vegas is underperforming and sit 4 factors forward of the Los Angeles Kings for third within the Pacific Division.
Cassidy had another yr on his deal subsequent seaon. https://t.co/43NEtxZN9S
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 29, 2026
Cassidy was introduced in the summertime of 2022 after being let go by the Boston Bruins. In his first season with the Golden Knights, he introduced them to a Stanley Cup Championship. Now, with one season left on his contract, come this summer season, Cassidy is as soon as once more out of a job.
GM Kelly McCrimmon in a press launch: “We thank Bruce Cassidy for his dedication to our hockey membership and neighborhood over the previous 4 seasons. Beneath Bruce’s management, we reached our final purpose in 2023 by bringing a Stanley Cup to Vegas. Bruce will eternally be remembered with the utmost regard by our group for what was completed right here. With the stretch run of the 2025-26 common season upon us, we imagine {that a} change is critical for us to return to the extent of play that’s anticipated of our membership. With John Tortorella, we usher in a Stanley Cup Champion in addition to one of the vital skilled and revered coaches within the NHL. His steering will likely be a fantastic asset to our crew on the pivotal level within the season we at present face. We look ahead to welcoming John to Vegas.”
NHL Rumors: Vegas Golden Knights Facilities
However it isn’t like nobody noticed this coming. The Vegas Golden Knights are recognized to do that. Possibly not this late, however for the reason that franchise got here into existence in 2017-18, John Tortorella will likely be its fourth head coach, following Gerard Gallant, Pete DeBoer, and Cassidy.
Vegas has been in existence for 8-plus seasons with:
– 7 playoff appearances– 2 convention finals– 2 journeys to the ultimate– 1 Stanley Cup
John Tortorella will now be their 4th head coach. And folks assume there’s strain enjoying in Toronto?#VegasBorn
— Michael Amato (@amato_mike) March 29, 2026
Over that span, the Golden Knights have been within the Stanley Cup Playoffs seven occasions, two convention closing appearances, two Stanley Cup Ultimate appearances, and one Stanley Cup. It’s the profitable enterprise for McCrimmon, not the hockey enterprise.
Nevertheless, you might see this coming. The Golden Knights are simply not nearly as good defensively as they’ve been in years previous. Not having Alex Pietrangelo hurts the crew, however Nic Hauge and Zach Whitecloud aren’t there as properly. Noah Hanifin remains to be discovering his means there and isn’t having the very best of years. Rasmus Andersson has appeared misplaced in Vegas since being traded from Calgary. Let’s see if he finally ends up signing long-term there.
NHL Commerce: The Calgary Flames Commerce Rasmus Andersson to the Vegas Golden Knights
For a crew that likes huge swings on the commerce deadline, they didn’t do a lot. McCrimmon felt that the goaltending of Akira Schmid, Adin Hill, and Carter Hart was adequate. Nevertheless, Tortorella is coming in for one factor solely: to get the crew enjoying higher, structured defence.
Tortorella gained a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 having coached the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Vancouver Canucks. He’s seeking to do the identical in Vegas with a few acquainted faces in Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin. Each gamers have been on Crew USA Olympic Gold Medal profitable crew.
?Evening Cap Recap ?
Bruce Cassidy Out… John Tortorella In
It’s About Successful in Vegas
Lou Lamoriello Particular #vegasborn pic.twitter.com/HsQaXAKYNj
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) March 29, 2026
We needed to restart our X account. Please observe @MyNHLRumorsX
Have you ever subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and scorching matters from across the league. We’re additionally posting some stuff on Instagram.
When you love our reporting, select NHLrumors.com as a most popular supply on Google.
