What Happened to Vegas Golden Knights and Bruce Cassidy?
Bruce Cassidy was hired as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights in June 2022, leading them to their first Stanley Cup championship in his inaugural 2022-2023 season. After a first-round exit in 2024 and a second-round exit in 2025, Cassidy was fired on March 29, 2026, amidst a late-season slump, and replaced by John Tortorella.
Quick Answer
Bruce Cassidy, who coached the Vegas Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup in 2023, was fired on March 29, 2026. The decision came with eight games remaining in the 2025-2026 regular season, as the team was struggling with a 3-5-2 record in their final 10 games and a perceived loss of spark. John Tortorella was immediately named as his replacement, taking over a team that was in third place in the Pacific Division and in a playoff position.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Bruce Cassidy Hired by Vegas Golden Knights
Eight days after being fired by the Boston Bruins, Bruce Cassidy was named the third head coach in Vegas Golden Knights franchise history, signing a five-year, $22.5 million contract.
Cassidy's First Game as Golden Knights Coach
Bruce Cassidy coached his first regular season game for the Vegas Golden Knights, a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
Vegas Golden Knights Win Stanley Cup
In his first season as head coach, Bruce Cassidy led the Vegas Golden Knights to their inaugural Stanley Cup championship, defeating the Florida Panthers 4-1 in the series.
Start of 2023-2024 Season as Defending Champions
The Golden Knights began their 2023-2024 season as defending Stanley Cup champions, starting with a strong seven-game winning streak.
Golden Knights Play in Winter Classic
The Vegas Golden Knights participated in the 2024 Winter Classic, losing 3-0 to the Seattle Kraken at T-Mobile Park.
Golden Knights Clinch Playoff Berth
The Golden Knights clinched a playoff berth for the sixth time in their first seven seasons after a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Wild.
Eliminated in First Round of 2024 Playoffs
The Golden Knights were eliminated in the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, losing to the Dallas Stars in seven games.
Cassidy Becomes Winningest Coach in Franchise History
Bruce Cassidy surpassed Gerard Gallant to become the Vegas Golden Knights' all-time winningest head coach.
Golden Knights Win Pacific Division Title
The Golden Knights clinched their fourth Pacific Division championship after defeating the Nashville Predators 5-3.
Eliminated in Second Round of 2025 Playoffs
After winning their first-round series against the Minnesota Wild, the Golden Knights were eliminated in the second round by the Edmonton Oilers in five games.
Golden Knights Make Trade Deadline Acquisitions
At the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, the Golden Knights acquired Nic Dowd from the Capitals and Cole Smith from the Predators. Mark Stone was placed on IR to make room for Dowd.
Bruce Cassidy Fired by Golden Knights
Bruce Cassidy was fired as head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights after the team recorded a 3-5-2 record in his final 10 games and a 5-10-2 record since the Olympic break. The team was in third place in the Pacific Division at the time.
John Tortorella Hired as Golden Knights Head Coach
Immediately following Cassidy's dismissal, veteran coach John Tortorella was named the fourth head coach in Vegas Golden Knights history, tasked with re-energizing the team for the playoff push.
Golden Knights Face Vancouver Canucks
The Vegas Golden Knights are scheduled to play the Vancouver Canucks at home, marking John Tortorella's first game as head coach. The team is currently 3rd in the Pacific Division with a 32-26-16 record.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Bruce Cassidy's tenure with the Vegas Golden Knights began on June 14, 2022, when he was hired as the third head coach in franchise history, just eight days after being let go by the Boston Bruins. He signed a five-year contract worth $4.5 million annually. Cassidy quickly made an impact, guiding the Golden Knights to their first-ever Stanley Cup championship in his very first season, defeating the Florida Panthers four games to one on June 13, 2023.
The 2023-2024 season saw the Golden Knights enter as defending champions. They finished with a respectable 45-29-8 record (98 points) but were eliminated in the First Round of the playoffs by the Dallas Stars in seven games. Despite the early exit, the team showed resilience throughout the season, including a strong start.
In the 2024-2025 season, the Golden Knights continued to be a strong contender, finishing first in the Pacific Division with a 50-22-10 record (110 points). They advanced past the Minnesota Wild in the first round but were ultimately defeated by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round in five games. Cassidy also surpassed Gerard Gallant to become the franchise's winningest head coach during this season.
The 2025-2026 season, however, marked a significant turning point. As of March 29, 2026, the Golden Knights held a record of 32-26-16 (80 points), placing them third in the Pacific Division and in a playoff spot. Despite their standing, the team had experienced a notable downturn, recording a 3-5-2 record in their final 10 games and a 5-10-2 record since the Olympic break. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon cited a loss of 'spark' and a 'stale' locker room as reasons for the change.
Consequently, on March 29, 2026, Bruce Cassidy was fired by the Golden Knights with eight games remaining in the regular season. Veteran coach John Tortorella was immediately announced as his successor, tasked with re-energizing the team for the remainder of the season and the upcoming playoffs. Cassidy had one year remaining on his contract at the time of his dismissal.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Vegas Golden Knights and Bruce Cassidy made different choices?