Tortorella won’t return, Craig expected to take over — The Fourth Period
John Tortorella will not be back behind the Vegas Golden Knights bench next season, which appears to have been the plan all along.
This morning, the Golden Knights announced that Tortorella will not return after his contract expires at he end of the month.
“We thank Torts for the guidance he provided our team since joining the organization in March,” said Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon. “When the decision was made to bring Torts to Vegas, we needed an immediate impact to help us at a pivotal point in the season. Torts’ experience and leadership proved to be the boost that we were looking for, helping guide us to the Stanley Cup Final. We are grateful for Torts’ passion, sincerity, and commitment to our organization, and we wish him and his family the best.”
Ryan Craig, who is the Head Coach of the Henderson Silver Knights, is expected to take over as the new head coach of the Golden Knights, with a formal announcement expected in the near future, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.
Craig, 44, spent six seasons as an assistant coach with Vegas before taking the reigns in Henderson in the AHL.
Thought the Silver Knights missed the playoffs in his first two seasons behind the bench, Craig led them to a 39-21-12 record this past season.
