When a coach guides a team to the Stanley Cup Final, they typically return for another season. This wasn’t the case for John Tortorella, the former coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite joining the team late in the season and leading them to their third Cup final appearance in nine years, Tortorella will not return.

In a recent interview, Tortorella shared his reaction to his unexpected dismissal. After the Golden Knights lost Game 6 to the Carolina Hurricanes, the team announced that Ryan Craig, who had been coaching the Vegas AHL affiliate, the Henderson Silver Knights, will take over.

“I guess the word I’d use is ‘disappointed,’” Tortorella stated. “I met with Kelly McCrimmon, Vegas’ GM, after Game 6. He was upfront with me, telling me immediately that Ryan Craig would coach the team next year. We had an honest conversation, and I understand the direction the organization wishes to take.”

Tortorella hoped for more time to complete what he started with the team but acknowledged it wasn’t his decision to make. Instead, that responsibility lies with the team’s general manager and president.

The Golden Knights embrace the spirit of their city. They are unafraid to take risks, and often they pay off. Despite the team’s recent success, the decision to replace Tortorella with Craig was made. Craig was seen as a natural successor, and the organization wanted to ensure they did not lose him after developing his coaching abilities extensively.

Although Tortorella is a previous Cup winner, some question why a coach who had brought the team to such success was replaced. The Knights lost the Stanley Cup Final to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.

Recently, firing Bruce Cassidy and hiring Tortorella proved beneficial for the team. However, should the team’s performance decline early in the next season, the front office may face scrutiny.

Matthew Reigle reports for OutKick.