John Tortorella isn't ready to hang up his whistle. Two months after his tenure behind the Vegas Golden Knights bench ended just two wins shy of a Stanley Cup, the 68-year-old coach says he's still open to getting back on the ice — even though Vegas chose not to bring him back for another season.
How the Vegas Run Ended
Tortorella's stint with the Golden Knights came to a close after the team fell two wins short of capturing the Stanley Cup. Despite getting Vegas deep into the postseason, the near-miss wasn't enough to secure his return, and the club opted to move in a different direction for the next season.
Coaching Status: Not Rehired by Vegas
Confirming what many hockey watchers had wondered, Tortorella was not brought back by the Golden Knights following the playoff exit. The split, which became official roughly two months before this report, leaves one of the NHL's most recognizable bench bosses currently without a team.
What's Next for Tortorella
At 68, Tortorella has made clear he isn't looking to retire. He remains open to taking on another coaching opportunity, keeping the door ajar for a return to an NHL bench — in Vegas or elsewhere — should the right situation come along.
Why It Matters
Tortorella's availability is notable given his track record of turning around franchises and pushing teams deep into the playoffs. Any club searching for an experienced, no-nonsense coach ahead of the next NHL season now has a proven veteran on the market, even as the Golden Knights themselves head into their next chapter without him.
Key Facts
- John Tortorella is 68 years old
- His coaching stint with Vegas Golden Knights ended after falling two wins short of winning the Stanley Cup
- Tortorella was not rehired by the Golden Knights
- The stint ended approximately two months before the article publication date