Vegas Knights Shock: Cassidy Out, Tortorella In!

The Vegas Golden Knights have made a significant coaching change, firing Bruce Cassidy with under three weeks remaining in the 2025-26 regular season. The team announced Sunday that John Tortorella, a former Stanley Cup-winning coach, will take over as head coach.

General Manager Kelly McCrimmon stated the change was necessary for the club to reach its expected level of play. Tortorella, known for his extensive experience and respected status in the NHL, is expected to provide crucial guidance during this pivotal point in the season.

The Golden Knights currently hold a 32-26-16 record, positioning them solidly for the playoffs, despite a recent slump. The team has only secured three wins in their last 10 contests, including recent overtime and shootout losses.

Cassidy led the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup victory in his first year in 2022 and guided them to the postseason in each of his three seasons. He was on track to do so again this year.

Tortorella, who previously coached the Philadelphia Flyers, won his lone Stanley Cup in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is tasked with coaching the final eight games of the regular season and will also lead the team in the playoffs.

The Golden Knights have a history of high expectations, having missed the playoffs only once in their nine-year existence (2022). Following that missed postseason, head coach Peter DeBoer was replaced by Cassidy.

Cassidy is anticipated to be a sought-after candidate for teams looking to make coaching changes following the NHL regular season, which concludes in mid-April.