John Tortorella
By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — The Torts and Kelly Comedy Hour at pressers before big Vegas Golden Knights hockey games is no more.
VGK General Manager Kelly McCrimmon says John Tortorella, who guided the Knights to the NHL Finals, will not return to the team’s coaching staff following the 2025-26 season.
McCrimmon shocked the hockey world March 29 by firing former coach Bruce Cassidy and hiring longtime coach Tortorella with a mere eight games left on the Vegas schedule. The Golden Knights were struggling after the Olympic break and had stumbled from first place in the division to third place.
McCrimmon said the VGK were underperforming and needed a spark behind the bench.
Tortorella, who won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning and coached for the New York Rangers, Columbus and Philadelphia, ignited the Golden Knights by playing the role of what he called a “guidance counselor.”
Torts guided the VGK to a 7-0-1 record in the final eight games to win the division. Then Tortorella guided the Knights to 4-2 series wins over Utah and Anaheim in the playoffs and an unexpected sweep of the powerful Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final. The Knights lost in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup Final.
“We thank Torts for the guidance he provided our team since joining the organization in March,” McCrimmon said.
“When the decision was made to bring Torts to Vegas, we needed an immediate impact to help us at a pivotal point in the season. Torts’ experience and leadership proved to be the boost that we were looking for, helping guide us to the Stanley Cup Final,” McCrimmon was quoted in the VGK press release. “We are grateful for Torts’ passion, sincerity, and commitment to our organization, and we wish him and his family the best.”
McCrimmon is scheduled to meet the media Wednesday.