Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 24
Golden Knights Fire John Tortorella After 6-Game Cup Final Loss, Promote Ryan Craig
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 24

Golden Knights Fire John Tortorella After 6-Game Cup Final Loss, Promote Ryan Craig

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 24

Summary

  • Vegas dismissed John Tortorella the morning after its Game 6 Stanley Cup Final loss to Carolina, ending his stint after he took over with eight regular-season games left.
  • Ryan Craig, coach of AHL affiliate Henderson, was immediately tapped as his replacement, signaling the club’s preference for its long-developed internal successor despite the Finals run.
  • Tortorella told The Athletic he was "disappointed" and said GM Kelly McCrimmon informed him within a minute of their meeting that Craig would coach next season.
  • The move cuts short a run in which Tortorella guided Vegas to its third Cup Final in nine seasons, underscoring the franchise’s willingness to change coaches even after deep playoff success.

Insights

Why did Vegas fire the coach who just saved their season and took them to the Stanley Cup Final?
After a stunning dismissal in Vegas, which NHL franchise will gamble on the veteran coach who refuses to retire?