John Tortorella won't return as coach of Golden Knights - ESPN

John Tortorella, who guided the Vegas Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final, will not return as head coach next season, the team announced Tuesday.

Tortorella, who turns 68 next week, was a surprise hire when he was brought in with eight games remaining in the regular season. The Golden Knights had fired Bruce Cassidy, who had one year remaining on his contract, while the team was in playoff position.

Vegas lost Game 6 on Sunday night as the Carolina Hurricanes captured the Stanley Cup.

Tortorella's deal with the Golden Knights was only through June 30, the end of the league calendar.

«We thank Torts for the guidance he provided our team since joining the organization in March,» general manager Kelly McCrimmon said in a statement. «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.»

Tortorella, who went 21-8-1 with Vegas (including playoffs), would like to coach next season, sources told ESPN.

He gained respect among veteran Golden Knights players, often likening himself to a guidance counselor who needed to instill confidence in the group.

«He was a perfect fit at a perfect time for us,» defenseman Rasmus Andersson told reporters Tuesday on exit day for the Golden Knights.

Added Shea Theodore: «Torts was awesome. I think he was really what our group needed at the end to kind of push us in the playoffs. A lot of credit to him. He was a fantastic coach.»

The Golden Knights are expected to evaluate the