Despite having eight games left of their season, the San Jose Sharks’ biggest rival, the Vegas Golden Knights, fired Bruce Cassidy on Sunday.

Cassidy was in his fourth season coaching the Golden Knights, and despite being in third place in the Pacific Division, was fired. Former Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Tortorella was hired as his replacement for the remainder of the season.

San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky has built a relationship with Cassidy due to their Boston ties. Warsofsky’s brother, David, played for Cassidy within the Boston Bruins organization.

Cassidy had one year left on his contract with the Golden Knights, but the ruthless business that the Sharks’ rivals operate with was on display again. Reports on why the move was made have started to surface, with NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman reporting that rifts between players and Cassidy began after the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“Obviously crazy business, as we all know, it’s a great game, it’s a sh*tty business. So I feel for Butch. Got to know Butch. My brother played for him for a while, so I’ve gotten to know him. Really good coach,” Warsofsky said of Cassidy.

The San Jose Sharks head coach has also spoken highly of his replacement in the past. Warsofsky’s mentor and friend, Mike Sullivan, included Tortorella on Team USA’s Olympic Coaching staff for a reason.

“Knowing Torts, I’m sure he’s excited. Might have rode a horse out there. He’ll do a great job,” Warsofsky said. “But you feel for the other side of it as well, more than anything. I think Butchy is a fabulous coach, but I know Torts is probably excited about this opportunity.”

Warsofsky told reporters he hasn’t reached out to Tortorella since the news broke. San Jose does not play the Vegas Golden Knights for the remainder of the season, but could catch them in the standings. The Sharks are seven points back with three games in hand.

Incredibly rare for a playoff-bound NHL team to change coaches this late in the regular season: The Golden Knights have eight games left and hope to follow the 2000 New Jersey Devils, who won a Stanley Cup when Larry Robinson replaced Robbie Ftorek after 74 games.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 29, 2026