John Tortorella, who took over as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights with eight games remaining in the regular season and guided them to the Stanley Cup Final, expressed disappointment regarding his subsequent firing. Despite the team's successful late-season surge and playoff run, the organization announced that Tortorella would not return for the following season, with AHL affiliate coach Ryan Craig set to replace him.
"I guess the word I’d use is ‘disappointed,’" Tortorella said in a recent interview with The Athletic. He recounted his post-Game 6 meeting with General Manager Kelly McCrimmon, stating, "Kelly is very honest, and he let me know within one minute of sitting down in that meeting — he basically told me, ‘Ryan Craig is coaching the team next year.’"
Tortorella acknowledged having an honest conversation about his thoughts on the decision but ultimately respected the organization's direction. "We didn’t finish the job, and I wanted some more time with that club to try to finish the job. That’s not my call. That’s the general manager and president’s call. You just get about your business after that."
The Golden Knights' decision marks a surprise move, as coaches who reach the Stanley Cup Final often retain their positions. Tortorella, a Stanley Cup winner from over two decades prior, had the team performing at a high level after his mid-season appointment. The team's gamble on hiring Tortorella after firing Bruce Cassidy proved successful in reaching the final, but the organization opted for a change despite the immediate success. If the team faces struggles at the beginning of the next season, the front office may face scrutiny for this decision.