The impressive performance of John Tortorella as the interim head coach for the Vegas Golden Knights has sparked discussion about his future with the team. While Tortorella is only under contract through the end of the season, his potential success, including a Stanley Cup victory, raises questions about whether the Golden Knights will retain him, potentially disrupting their previously anticipated coaching succession plan.
Industry insider Elliotte Friedman noted that the Golden Knights typically keep their plans confidential. However, it’s understood that Ryan Craig, the current head coach of their American Hockey League affiliate in Henderson, has been a long-term part of the Vegas organization and has a significant history with Kelly McCrimmon. Craig was reportedly moved to Henderson to gain valuable coaching experience, with the expectation that he would eventually take over as the head coach of the Golden Knights once Bruce Cassidy’s tenure concluded.
Some within the hockey community believed Craig was penciled in as the next head coach for the upcoming season. Despite an early playoff exit for the Henderson team, observers who closely follow the AHL have praised Craig’s performance and his work with the team’s prospects. This situation suggests a scenario where Tortorella could have finished the year, with Craig then stepping in as the head coach.
However, the possibility of Tortorella leading the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup championship presents a dilemma. Friedman raised the point that it would be difficult to remove a coach who has delivered a championship. He also highlighted that other NHL teams with current head coaching vacancies, whose contracts expire after June 30, might consider waiting to see if Tortorella becomes available, given his proven track record and strong performance.
