There was massive National Hockey League news on Sunday as the Vegas Golden Knights made a coaching change. The Golden Knights have hired 67-year-old John Tortorella of Boston, Massachusetts as their new head coach and fired Bruce Cassidy.

Why was the coaching change made?

The Golden Knights have a record of 11 wins, 15 regulation losses and four losses in extra time in their last 30 games. Remember, this was a team expected to contend for a Pacific Division title at the beginning of the season and they are currently six points back of the Anaheim Ducks for first place.

Tortorella’s resume

Oct 12, 2019; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes head coach John Tortorella looks on from behind the p[layers bench against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Tortorella is set to join his sixth team as a NHL head coach. He has previously coached the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers.

In 1620 games, Tortorella has a record of 770 wins, 648 regulation losses, 165 losses in extra time and 37 ties for a winning percentage of .538. He won the 2004 Stanley Cup with the Lightning, and has won two Jack Adams Awards presented to the best coach in the NHL (2004 with the Lightning and 2017 with the Blue Jackets).

What has Tortorella done this season?

Mar 11, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella reacts on the bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Tortorella has not been coaching in the NHL in 2025-26, however he has had great success in international hockey. He was the assistant coach for the United States on a team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Should teams like the Oilers fear Tortorella?

The general feeling to this question is no. It is all about what Tortorella has done lately, and the answer is simply not that much.

Tortorella only has a record of 115-133-45 over the last four seasons. Another interesting stat is that Tortorella has only won two playoff series in the last 13 years.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

MARCH MADNESS: 2026 Elite Eight TV schedule, two Final Four spots remaining

MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates make shocking decision on lineup after MLB Opening Day loss

NFL: Under the radar NFL free agent signing keeps NFC contender potent… and dangerous

SPORTS MEDIA: Pennsylvania passes huge alcohol law to celebrate FIFA and America250

ENTERTAINMENT: Savannah Guthrie ‘Today’ show return date announced

VIRAL: NBA, NFL players rocked by catfish scammer posing as adult film star