John Tortorella Returns to Edmonton as Vegas Golden Knights Head Coach
Veteran NHL coach John Tortorella made his first appearance in Edmonton since taking over behind the Vegas Golden Knights bench, bringing his distinctive coaching style and personality to Rogers Place. The 67-year-old bench boss, now on his sixth NHL coaching stop, faced the Edmonton Oilers in what marked another chapter in his extensive coaching career spanning over 1,800 NHL games.
A Change in Wardrobe and Approach
Observers noted Tortorella's transition from the casual black sweater he wore behind the Philadelphia Flyers bench to a more formal tie and suit combination with the Golden Knights. This represents a departure from his previous comfort-focused attire, including the Columbus Blue Jackets' hoodie he wore in 2018 when under the weather and the sweaters he favored in Philadelphia.
"Nobody told Tortorella how to dress for work in his new coaching gig," noted hockey insiders, pointing out that while NHL players have no dress code on game nights, Vegas coaches similarly enjoy flexibility in their sideline attire.
Coaching Style and Player Relationships
Despite any wardrobe considerations, Tortorella remains sharp behind the bench, bringing his trademark direct communication style to his new team. The coach demonstrated this during his first game with Vegas when he accidentally called veteran center Nic Dowd "Wardo" for approximately half of Dowd's twelve shifts.
"We'll see how long we can play it out before it isn't funny," said Dowd's linemate Keegan Kolesar about the nickname mishap, which occurred because Tortorella had been speaking with Golden Knights assistant coach Joel Ward before the game.
Tortorella, who previously coached against Dowd when the center played for Washington and Tortorella led Philadelphia, experienced what players jokingly called a "senior moment," though the incident highlighted his personable approach to player relationships.
Transition from Bruce Cassidy
The coaching change came suddenly when Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy last weekend. Demonstrating professional courtesy, Tortorella sent Cassidy a message from the chartered plane traveling from Florida to Vegas, uncertain if he would receive a reply.
"Cassidy generously did respond, one fraternity brother to another," according to team sources, with Tortorella expressing gratitude for the exchange as he sought to understand the team landscape from one coach to another.
Tortorella, who had been working as an NHL Network commentator before his hiring, fully expects Cassidy to return to NHL coaching next season, which would mark Cassidy's fourth coaching stop after previous positions with Washington, Boston, and Vegas.
Connection with Players
When Tortorella's hiring was announced, Vegas goaltender Carter Hart's phone "darned near blew up" with teammates seeking insight about the new coach. Hart, who played for Tortorella in Philadelphia, started against the Oilers on Saturday after missing two months with a lower-body injury—the longest injury reserve stint of his NHL career.
Hart appreciated Tortorella's honesty during their time together in Philadelphia, noting that the coach tells players exactly how he feels to their faces, ensuring they understand where they stand within the team structure.
Passion for the Game
At 67 years old, Tortorella continues doing what he loves most: hanging out in NHL dressing rooms and engaging with players at the highest level of professional hockey. He fully admits that this environment is where he feels most alive and connected to the sport that has defined his career.
The Edmonton appearance marks another milestone in Tortorella's coaching journey, bringing his unique blend of experience, personality, and coaching philosophy to the Vegas Golden Knights as they navigate the remainder of the NHL season.
