The Vegas Golden Knights are not retaining John Tortorella for the 2026-27 NHL season and are preparing for another coaching change. Tortorella's tenure lasted less than three months, yet he led the team on a remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Final.
Ryan Craig Emerges as Frontrunner
As the franchise enters its 10th season in the NHL, attention has turned to Ryan Craig. League insiders report that the long-time hockey executive is the leading candidate to take over behind the bench. Craig has become the favorite to become the next coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. According to NHL insiders, Craig is set to replace John Tortorella following the veteran coach's departure. Close ties with general manager Kelly McCrimmon make him a natural choice for the position.
The club has yet to make an official announcement, but discussions around Craig have intensified as the team looks ahead to the 2026-27 campaign.
John Tortorella's Impact on the Golden Knights
John Tortorella's time with the Vegas Golden Knights was brief but impactful. The 67-year-old coach was hired in late March after Bruce Cassidy was fired. Under Tortorella, the club went 7-0-1 in the final eight regular-season games, clinching the Pacific Division title. His playoff run was even more impressive: the Golden Knights defeated the Utah Mammoth and Edmonton Oilers before sweeping the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final. They ultimately lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.
What Ryan Craig's Appointment Could Mean
Hiring Ryan Craig would ensure continuity for the Vegas Golden Knights. Craig's relationship with Kelly McCrimmon could facilitate a smooth transition as the franchise pursues its second Stanley Cup title. There is considerable anticipation following the team's surprise postseason run.
The Golden Knights will begin their 10th NHL season with hopes of building on the foundation laid during Tortorella's brief but significant tenure. If Craig is officially hired, he will become the fifth head coach in franchise history and a prominent figure in future NHL news discussions.
