John Tortorella will not return as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights for the 2024‑25 season, the franchise confirmed Tuesday. The 67‑year‑old was hired in March with eight games left, replacing Bruce Cassidy despite his year‑long contract. Tortorella guided Vegas to the Stanley Cup Final, posting a 21‑8‑1 record, but the team fell 3‑2 in Game 6 as Carolina captured the championship again.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon thanked Tortorella for “guidance” and “immediate impact” that helped the club reach the Final, noting his “passion, sincerity and commitment.” Sources say Tortorella hopes to stay in the league, but Vegas will assess its remaining staff—assistant coaches Dominique Ducharme, Joel Ward, John Stevens and Sean Burke—while still eyeing AHL head coach Ryan Craig as the likely successor.

Cassidy remains under contract, and the organization has blocked his interview requests with the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers, keeping his future in limbo. The Oilers continue to explore Mike Babcock despite a pending league probe, while the Kings have already hired Peter Laviolette. Vegas now faces a coaching decision that could shape its post‑Final trajectory.