John Tortorella won't return to the Vegas Golden Knights' coaching staff next season, general manager Kelly McCrimmon announced Tuesday.
"We thank Torts for the guidance he provided our team since joining the organization in March," 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."
The 67-year-old's contract was set to expire June 30. He's still interested in coaching in the NHL, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Tortortella guided the team to a 7-0-1 record in the regular season and then went on a postseason run to the Stanley Cup Final, which Vegas lost in six games to the Carolina Hurricanes.
He assumed head coaching duties after the Golden Knights dismissed Bruce Cassidy.
Tortorella owns a 777-648-166 record with 37 ties. His career has featured stops with the Golden Knights, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Philadelphia Flyers.
